Brown May Loosen U.K. Ties to Bush

[KGB_resident]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/10/AR2007051002584.html?hpid=topnews

Brown, 56, has more knowledge and experience regarding the United States than perhaps any British leader in history, according to analysts here. He has studied U.S. politics, economics and social policy intimately. He vacations on Cape Cod and has extraordinarily close friendships in U.S. political circles.

But analysts here say the British public's toxic feelings toward Bush and the Iraq war -- and Blair's unyielding support for both -- mean that Prime Minister Brown will have to maintain a certain distance from the White House, at least until next year's presidential election.

Do you agree that new British PM should distance himself from pres.Bush?

 

[sniper_bob]

My guess is there'll be a mad rush for the door as the world and his wife put as much distance as possible between themselves and Broon.

Incidentally, is there still time for Tone to sign a Treaty with Europe before Broon gets the keys to No 10?

 

[green_slime]

He should not replace Tony as Bush's butt plug, but if we do move away from the US we must not do so just to reposition ourselves closer to any sort of european confederation.

There are real economic and political dangers to going it alone, but we did pretty well for centuries and we can do again.

 

[rickshaw-major]

Actually Sergey the wording of the poll is somewhat simplistic. I think many of us would prefer to see UK taking a more self-centred stand on the international scene. We will always be friends of the US but sometimes the best friend is the one who tells you you can't have another drink!

Edited once for appalling spelling.

 

[boris7]

Do we want a HOVIS for a PM.....that the question!!!!

 

[KGB_resident]

Actually Sergey the wording of the poll is somewhat simplistic. I think many of us would prefer to see UK taking a more self-centred stand on the international scene. We will always be friends of the US but sometimes the best friend is the one who tells you you can't have another drink!

Edited once for appalling spelling.

Yes, Rickshaw-major. I thought about 'the UK should be more independent but anyway a close US ally'. But this option is too lengthy and is very close to 'Rather agree'.

5 have voted and all 5 options were used. Maybe, indeed there are too few possibilities. What about 'the UK must prepare to be 51st state' option? It's possible that one our friend could vote for this option.

 

[rickshaw-major]

Actually Sergey the wording of the poll is somewhat simplistic. I think many of us would prefer to see UK taking a more self-centred stand on the international scene. We will always be friends of the US but sometimes the best friend is the one who tells you you can't have another drink!

Edited once for appalling spelling.

Yes, Rickshaw-major. I thought about 'the UK should be more independent but anyway a close US ally'. But this option is too lengthy and is very close to 'Rather agree'.[/quote]

Which is how I voted.

Dovidjena! I'm off for a Slivo or ................?

Have a nice weekend.

 

[Random_Task]

I thought Brown was fairly pro US? certainly a lot of jaunts over there in his capacity as Chancellor. Or perhaps he was just collecting airmiles,he's a frugal Scotsman,after all.

 

[Dilfor]

Rather than 'Yo Blair' I'd be surprised if anyone in the Bush administration will either know or care who Broon is.

 

[smartascarrots]

Given that his reputation is for slightly more left-leaning instincts, I doubt the current administration will dust off the best china. Of course, in my more tinfoil-coutured moments, I might think that's the reason behind Meacher standing, to make him look more centrist.

His speech formally announcing his candidacy didn't hold out much hope for the lefties, though. Much talk of 'continuing' and 'renewal'. Does that mean he's already doing his Kegels for when he next flies Stateside?

 

[Cuddles]

I wouldn't be surprised to see increasing loosening of ties. After all he turned up at the Mansion House in a lounge suit and if the "leader" of the Tories can be seen in a suit but without one...well and people wonder why the country is in the state it's in.