Major gets first chance to reforge US link
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE PRIME MINISTER will, on 24 February, become the first European leader to hold talks with President Bill Clinton. Although the Washington meeting is expected to focus on international issues such as Bosnia and the deepening transatlantic trade dispute, it will give both men a chance to dispel rumours of a rift between them.
Speculation of a cooling in the 'special relationship' between Britain and America since Mr Clinton's election has been based on reports that the President was angered by help for George Bush's campaign from Conservative Party advisers. The New York Times, in a semi-humorous piece, put John Major top of Mr Clinton's main enemies.
Before Mr Major, the President will have met only the leaders of neighbouring Canada and Mexico. A summit with President Boris Yeltsin of Russia is expected in the spring, but no date has been fixed.
In the past few days, tensions with all European countries have been exacerbated by the new administration's trade measures, which bar European telecommunication and power generation companies from federal purchasing contracts and place steep duties on steel imports.
There is a chance that by the time Mr Major arrives, solutions to some trade problems will be within reach. Sir Leon Brittan, the EC Trade Commissioner, is to visit Washington 10 days earlier for talks with his US counterpart, Mickey Kantor. Discussions between the US and the EC are due on 16 February on the issue of federal contracts. Sir Leon will also hope to agree a strategy to resolve the Gatt world trade talks, a major foreign policy priority for Britain.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments