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For a long time, the transatlantic ‘special relationship’ with the US was at the heart of British foreign policy, but this has come under strain under Donald Trump’s presidency, as his policies towards countries from Iran to Ukraine have clashed with those of Britain and Europe.
Previous YouGov polling has shown that Britons today tend to believe that the UK should seek to have a stronger relationship with Europe than with the US, with nearly half of the public (46%) feeling our primary relationship should be with Europe, relative to only 11% who think Britain’s most special relationship should like with America.
So what do Britons think of the current state of the special relationship? To find out in greater depth, we used our new YouGov AI Interviewer tool to ask respondents simply: “what do you think are the biggest issues in the UK's current relationship with the United States?”
The AI agent then conducted interviews with each respondent, following up on their responses, in order to provide “the why” behind what Britons think. Our qualitative analysis of attitudes, including quotes, can be found below, along with examples of respondent interviews in their entirety.
Donald Trump’s behaviour
One of the biggest issues in the UK-US relationship for many respondents is the behaviour of Donald Trump, particularly his unpredictability.
“[Trump] is deeply unreliable, he changes his mind on a whim, he is demanding of how our country and our Prime Minister should act, he is undiplomatic, he has raised tariffs which has increased the prices of some goods, and he has started a war with Iran which he has no idea how to get out of, which has effected the cost of living for the entire world.” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, East of England
“How can you plan and have political, diplomatic and economic security with an unpredictable country.” – Man, 45-54, 2024 Lib Dem voter, South East England
“The UK cannot work with the US on specific issues or areas of cooperation because Trump is capricious and unpredictable, and constantly moves the goal posts according to his latest whim.” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, South East England
“Well trump lies about us. Insults us.” – Woman, 25-34, 2024 Labour voter, North West England
“Whilst the president often makes some sound overall points (but often also not). he is often difficult, for example his tariff policies swing wildly and often the actuality doesn't match his public statements.” – Man, 55+, 2024 other party voter, South West England
“Donald Trump. I think his rogue leadership style and America first principles have highlighted the UKs over dependence on the US, and that our economy and security could be put in jeopardy because of 1 man in power seems like putting all the eggs into 1 basket.” – Woman, 25-34, 2024 Labour voter, South West England
Donald Trump’s ideology
Beyond the US president’s actions, some respondents, particularly those who voted for progressive parties at the last election, also questioned the extent to which the beliefs of Trump’s movement were something the UK should want to be associated with.
“I don’t think us is ideologically something to admire in its current state it’s legal and justice systems are crooked. Civil rights are going backwards.” – Man, 45-54, 2024 Green voter, Wales
“They are incompatible with democracy and a fair society and are a huge negative influence on our own politics and freedom.” – Man, 25-34, Lib Dem voter, London
“He's sexist, racist and has commited crimes. He has extreme views that can damage world peace and says the most ridiculous things!” – Woman, 45-54, Other party voter, North West England
“I just feel that the US is overall a very different country. I feel they are currently oppressing many of their citizens and removing their human rights whilst ignoring the issues their people actually care about so I don’t feel their morals are a county aline with what I fell the UK stands for.” – Woman, 35-44, 2024 Green voter, South East England
“I believe Trump’s approach is racist, exclusionary and wholeheartedly capitalist, whereas British values are inclusivity, neighbourliness and looking after one another in a big society.” – Woman, 25-34, 2024 Lib Dem voter, South West England
Power imbalance
A common concern for the British public is how unbalanced the relationship is, particularly under the current administration. Many expressed a feeling that the UK doesn’t get much in return from the special relationship and is taken for granted by the US.
“You can’t be an equal ally with someone who thinks you are beneath them” – Woman, 45-54, 2024 Conservative voter, East Midlands
“The uk want better trade terms but have very little to bargain with other than selling off elements of the nhs for us companies to drain profit out of. We open our doors to these companies for very little in return. It is an unequal partnership” – Man, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, South East England
“Because we over rely on them to the extent of weakening our own position in the world. The alliance is all one way. Not helped by UK politicians living in the past. The UK is finished as a nation and being in with the USA is accelerating that decline.” – Man, 55+, Yorkshire and the Humber
“But like an abusive relationship - you can't be surprised if one of the parties walks away after being lied to, ignored unless something is wanted and repeatably told it would be nothing without the US.” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, Scotland
“Well, they take us for granted, treat us terribly. Bully us and enforce their backwards christo-fascist beliefs on our society, meddle in our politics, and drag us into illegal wars. Trump is a cancer on the world. We are far too reliant on the US for everything. Especially technology. We are seriously unprotected because of our reliance on US tech owned by fascist billionnaires. Its time we broke ties and looked elsewhere for less toxic relationships.” – Woman, 35-44, 2024 Lib Dem voter, East of England
US foreign policy
Specific foreign policy issues seen as being caused or exacerbated by Trump were also regularly brought up by respondents, most notably the recent US-Iran conflict.
“The US saying they don't know whether it's worth the money and doubting Europe's commitment. Then saying NATO is important but withdrawing troops from Europe. Plus Trump's support for Russia.” – Man, 55+, 2024 Conservative voter, South West England
“Threatening Greenland, the Iran situation. Uses threats of force or economic retaliation such as tariffs to make other countries do what he wants. Thinking the UK would be exempt is naive.” – Man, 25-34, 2024 Labour voter, East Midlands
“The US keeps imposing tariffs on imported goods and this has disrupted trade” – Man, 45-54, 2024 Conservative voter, East of England
“failed to consult allies before attacking Iran and failed to appreciate that NATO is a defensive organisation and not to be used as an extension of American power” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Conservative voter, Scotland
“They insult us and threaten sanctions etc for us refusing to get involved in their illegal war against Iran.” – Man, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, North West England
“Tarrifs. Iran. Cuba. Venezuela. Greenland. Canada. Abuse of allies. Disrespecting our military support. Tacit support for Russia.” - - Man, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, South West England
Pivot to Europe?
For some, what the UK’s response to the US’s recent behaviour should be was clear: seek closer ties with western European countries. Others, however, felt it was important to balance the two relationships.
“We can trust the EU. The eu are right there. The eu can be the strongest union in the world” – Woman, 45-54, 2024 SNP voter, Scotland
“It’s difficult but I think we need to try and ride the storm with trump and get closer to the EU” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, West Midlands
“The US under Trump is not a good partner as it is one sided, theirs. With the EU i believe we could be more partners” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Conservative voter, East of England
“We need a reliable sound international relationship, the Europeans and Chinese provide that.” – Man, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, North East England
“I think the UK should maintain a relationship with the US but strengthen ties with Europe” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Labour voter, North West England
Failings of the UK government
Not everyone, though, blames the US for the weakening of the special relationship. Some respondents, particularly those who supported parties of the right at the last election, felt that both sides, or even just the current Labour government, were responsible for the transatlantic partnership breaking down.
“Keir Starmer dislikes President Trump and that reflects in their poor relationship which then puts our defence relationship in jeopardy” – Man, 55+, 2024 Reform UK voter, East of England
“Governments in both the US and GB are pretty useless at the moment and you just can't believe anything anyone says. This affects trade, travel, diplomacy and every aspect of our relationship.” - Man, 55+, 2024 Conservative voter, South West England
“I think the Left leaning elements of our culture and the Labour Party struggle with the personality and presentation of the president of the United States Donald Trump to the point of lunacy. I am aware he is controversial. Labour will not always run the UK and Donald Trump will not always be President but Europe and the UK have been permanently destroyed by immigration and there is no way back. For all his faults I agree with Donald Trump on protecting western culture and society.” – Woman, 55+, 2024 Conservative voter, South East England
“European countries do not contribute enough gdp and USA gave more. We have become lazy in defence and rely on USA too much” – Woman, 45-54, 2024 Reform UK voter, London
“Politicians such as David Lammy are not acting as professional politicians but rather acting upon their own personal emotions towards Donald Trump which is ridiculous. they are there do do a job not to throw insults like kids in a playground” – Man, 45-54, 2024 Reform UK voter, East of England
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