A strengthening of the special bond between the UK and US took place this week, as the Legatum Institute, a shareholder in the parent company of GB News, looked to forge closer ties with our US allies by launching a Special Relationship Unit.
The new unit has been created to help reinforce one of the most important alliances in the world during uncertain geopolitical times.
The event got underway with a speech from Legatum Institute Managing Director Dr Radomir Tylecote in which he discussed the ‘vital bond’ between the two nations, whilst also reaffirming that the Special Relationship is ‘alive and flourishing’.
The event, which was held at the Legatum headquarters in Mayfair, was supported by some notable attendees with former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, former Northern Ireland Minister Sir Conor Burns and the DUP’s Iain Paisley Jnr MP all in attendance.
Lady Elliott was 'thrilled' at the launch
CREDIT: Rahil Ahmad
The Special Relationship Unit will be managed by Sarah Elliott, Lady Elliott of Mickle Fell, who has more than 20 years’ experience working in US politics, championing policies that promote economic prosperity.
Lady Elliott said: “I’m thrilled about launching the UK-US Special Relationship Unit and increasing partnerships with American think tanks, politicians, and scholars to advance cooperation and collaboration on the best policies for economic growth and national defence.
Nusrat Ghani MP, Dr Radomir Tylecote and Lady Elliott
CREDIT: Rahil Ahmad
The Special Relationship Unit at Legatum was officially opened by Business and Trade Minister, Nusrat Ghani MP
CREDIT: Rahil Ahmad
“As we proceed further into the 21st Century, the long-standing alliance is vital to peace and prosperity.”
The Special Relationship Unit at Legatum was officially opened by Business and Trade Minister, Nusrat Ghani MP, who said: “The US is by far the UK’s largest trading partner.
“The Legatum Institute’s new unit is a welcome addition to the work already taking place to ensure the UK and US continue to strengthen our Special Relationship, and I look forward to seeing what it produces.”
After the opening speeches the esteemed guests were treated to US politically themed cocktails such as the ‘Keep Cool and Keep Coolidge’ a Pina Colada dedicated to former US President Calvin Coolidge, who served as the 30th President of the United States between 1923 to 1929.
The drinks menu at the event had a US theme
CREDIT: Rahil Ahmad
Guests were challenged to guess the number of jelly beans in the jar
CREDIT: Rahil Ahmad
Those In attendance were also invited to take part in a special jelly bean competition designed to pay homage to former US President Ronald Reagan, who famously loved eating jelly beans so much he used to order 720 bags of the confectionery for his administration every month.
The winning guess on the number of jelly beans in the jar was 2004, with the top three people who guessed closest all receiving a prize. Prizes included US campaign badges such as a George W. Bush and Donald J. Trump badges, whilst a book on US election campaigns was also on offer for one of the winners.
While the night’s prizes may have celebrated individual victories, there’s no doubt the biggest win was thanks to a combined effort: the Special Relationship, that unique historic bond between the two old allies.