A reset in the special relationship heralds a new era of pragmatism between the US and UK

What makes a “special relationship” special? For the UK and US the close bond has historically been about a military alliance and shared values in the face of an often turbulent global landscape.

In the wake of the UK’s departure from the European Union there was appetite for, and promise of, expanding the relationship to include trade – formalising the already close economic ties with a comprehensive deal.

But under President Joe Biden, the prospect of this faded away.

The President’s warnings over Northern Ireland served as a reminder to the UK that it was the smaller and less powerful partner and it has begun to look increasingly like it was being left out in the cold by its bigger and more powerful ally.

But recent months, the war in Ukraine has sharpened focus on the threats to supply chains and infrastructure.

Such aggression from President Putin and ongoing tensions with China – a leader in the rapidly evolving technology of AI – has acted as a reminder of why the alliance between the UK and US is still relevant.

In a hostile and volatile global environment the UK cannot afford to be growing distant from the US.

Heading to Washington this week, Rishi Sunak has made it his goal to reshape this relationship and make it into something that is more than just warm words.

The technocrat PM has a vision of a modern, future-proof special relationship.

This is not about misty-eyed romanticising of the old alliance between the two countries, but reshaping it to create something that protects the UK from economic threats it is vulnerable to.

President Biden’s somewhat indifferent attitude towards the UK pales in the face of fears over foreign aggression. The two leaders have signalled that the time for sentimentality is over and an era of practicality and pragmatism looms.

The new economic alliance announced is indicative of the growing importance of economic security. But it is also an acceptance that there will be no move towards a trade deal in the near future.

This was the blaring omission from the bilateral. Asked about why he did not want a free trade deal at the bilateral press conference, Mr Biden grinned at the listening journalists before expertly dodging the question.

And it gives the impression of the US chucking the UK a consolation prize in the absence of anything more comprehensive.

But it also marks an initial step towards the closer partnership Mr Sunak desires. And crucially, the UKs shift towards Biden’s economic vision represents the philosophical move away from unrestricted globalisation and free trade.

The message is that, in pressing times, economic and national security trumps all. The old allies are closing ranks against threats.