Atlantic Declaration for a Twenty-First Century U.S.-UK Economic Partnership

While UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declined the opportunity to throw the opening pitch at a Washington Nationals Game, he did lob a couple softballs for the White House to bunt, generating assurances of continued support for Ukraine, and an agreement for him to host a summit on artificial intelligence.

The meetings produced no post-Brexit trade agreement, though the parties did roll out a grandly titled "declaration," providing a framework for continued dialogue.

Thursday the United States and the United Kingdom announced the Atlantic Declaration for a Twenty-First Century U.S.-UK Economic Partnership to ensure that "our unique alliance is adapted, reinforced, and reimagined for the challenges of this moment."

The Atlantic Declaration signifies a new era of strategic partnership between the U.S. and the U.K., with plans to boost economic, technological, trade, and commercial ties. The declaration rests on the five pillars of ADAPT: U.S.-UK leadership in emerging technologies, economic security cooperation, digital transformation partnership, clean energy economy, and alliance strengthening across defense, health security, and space.

1. U.S.-UK Leadership in Critical and Emerging Technologies:

Both nations recognize the significant role emerging technologies play in shaping the world. They will foster a cooperative environment to harness the potential of technologies like AI, Data Science, and others.

Next Steps: Both nations will work together on setting policy frameworks and standards to drive innovation in these sectors, allowing both countries to establish a joint leadership role in technology worldwide.

2. Enhanced Cooperation on Economic Security, Technology Protection, and Supply Chains:

The U.S. and the U.K. intend to cooperate on maintaining economic security, protecting critical technology and ensuring secure supply chains.

Next Steps: The countries will develop a robust framework for protecting vital economic sectors, bolster defenses against economic threats, and secure critical technology and supply chains. Joint strategies will be established to address potential vulnerabilities and foster resilience.

3. Partnership for an Inclusive and Responsible Digital Transformation:

The third pillar aims to create a partnership for a digital transformation that is both inclusive and responsible, ensuring the privacy and safety of citizens.

Next Steps: The countries will establish a U.S.-UK Data Bridge and accelerate cooperation on AI safety and responsible development. They will also launch a collaboration on Privacy Enhancing Technologies to ensure individual privacy rights are respected.

4. Building a Clean Energy Economy for the Future:

Both nations have shown a commitment to building a clean energy economy, thereby addressing the urgent threat of climate change.

Next Steps: Initiatives include negotiations on a Critical Minerals Agreement, launching a Joint Clean Energy Supply Chain Action Plan, and creating a civil nuclear partnership. These actions aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable, renewable energy sources.

5. Strengthening the Alliance Across Defense, Health Security, and Space:

The U.S. and the U.K. aim to reinforce their alliance across various sectors, including defense, health security, and space.

Next Steps: The U.S. President will propose to the Congress to add the UK as a "domestic source" under the Defense Production Act. Additionally, the nations will increase cooperation on biological threats and infectious diseases and deepen their partnership in space exploration and technology.

To ensure the successful implementation of the Atlantic Declaration and Action Plan, senior representatives from the U.S. and the U.K. will convene biannually, facilitating continuous dialogue, goal assessment, and maintaining long-term ambition.

[White House Release]