Lisa Nandy to lead UK’s biggest ever business delegation to US in bid to ‘open new doors for British talent’
Britain’s largest ever business delegation has traveled to the US in a bid to boost transatlantic trade amid domestic political turmoil and tensions over the Iran war, which continues to wreak havoc on the economy.
This week’s mission to Los Angeles, involving more than 200 companies, follows the King’s latest state visit to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence; This visit resulted in Donald Trump lifting tariffs on UK-made whiskeys, providing a major boost to the industry.
The delegation, which was initially to be led by Trade Minister Peter Kyle, is now chaired by Culture Minister Lisa Nandy along with Trade Minister Blair McDougall.
The Greater Together LA exhibition will aim to build on the existing commercial partnership between the two countries, which accounts for $430 billion in trade each year, approximately $1.5 trillion in investment in each other’s economies and supports more than 2.6 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
The event will be hosted by Universal Music Group boss Sir Lucian Grainge and former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive, who co-founded the creative collective LoveFrom.
Speakers include music impresario and Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, singer/songwriter Leona Lewis, designer Sir Paul Smith and astronaut Tim Peake.
Senior executives from British Airways, News Corp and American Airlines will also attend the meeting.
Areas to be covered include cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cultural exchange, fintech and scientific innovation.
The event is being held against a backdrop of political turmoil in Britain, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer under pressure to resign following disastrous local election results for Labor and strained relations with the White House over the Middle East conflict, with the US president threatening to change a trade deal with Britain.
While the government has remained tight-lipped about the potential impact of recent developments on this major business event, insiders have pointed out that the close and long-standing UK-US relationship runs deeper than individuals and current disagreements.
The enduring partnership built on shared values was highlighted in a video message that the King will play at the event, continuing the theme of his recent historic address to Congress.
Charles said: “The UK and the US share one of the most enduring and fruitful relationships in modern history, a relationship shaped by decades of collaboration and based on a shared belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and human endeavour.
“From our shared language and vibrant creative industries to our academic partnerships, scientific collaborations and technological innovations, our cultures come together in ways of immeasurable yet enduring value.”
The King added: “These ties are reflected not just in financial balance sheets but also in the living, breathing connections between our peoples whose lives and livelihoods are richly enriched by them.
“During my visit to the United States the other day, I was once again struck by the extraordinary warmth of the American people, the natural closeness between our countries, and the importance of working together for the benefit of all.
“The conversations I had with the business community and entrepreneurs during this visit also reinforced something I have long believed: our relationship is not just a matter of shared history, but a vibrant, dynamic partnership built on shared values of democracy, freedom and opportunity.
“This is a partnership that must be continually renewed and strengthened for future generations.”
Charles continued: “So when you meet today, I can only encourage you to deepen existing alliances and build new ones.
“Your decisions and willingness to think boldly about collaboration will help create opportunities that will benefit communities in the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond.”
Ms Nandy hailed the UK’s creative industries, sporting heritage and tourism as “among our greatest national assets” and said the LA fair provided “an outstanding opportunity to showcase these on the world stage”.
The Labor Cabinet minister said: “From our music and film sectors to sport and the arts, this delegation will demonstrate the enormous cultural and commercial value the UK brings to our partnership with the US.
“I look forward to deepening these connections and opening new doors for British talent and creativity.”
