Rishi Sunak flies to US to meet Joe Biden as he vows to get America & UK working closely on the economy
PM Rishi Sunak flew to the US last night — vowing to get America and the UK working as closely on the economy as they do on defence.
The Prime Minister will meet President Joe Biden tomorrow at the White House.
He will also use his trip to meet senior business leaders and senior political figures on Capitol Hill.
On his way yesterday, Mr Sunak said he wanted our two nations to be at the forefront of a new era of economic co-operation, in the same way they have led together through Nato.
Mr Sunak said: “The UK and US have always worked in lockstep to protect our people and uphold our way of life.
“As the challenges and threats we face change, we need to build an alliance that protects our economies.”
Just as military links have given us both a battlefield advantage over the enemy, more economic co-operation will give us a crucial edge in the decades ahead, he said.
Mr Sunak added: “By combining our vast economic resources and expertise, we will grow our economies, create jobs and keep our people safe.”
Top of the agenda will be talks on regulating artificial intelligence, amid warnings the tech could be a threat to humans if not regulated.
Tomorrow, the PM will watch the Washington Nationals baseball team take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in a game to celebrate US and UK ties.
But the PM ducked an invitation to throw the honorary first pitch at the game.
Aides said he will hand the honour to Stuart Taylor, a former British Army warrant office and CEO of the Allied Forces Foundation, which supports injured servicemen and women.
There will be a military fly-past and the UK and US national anthems played.
Last night, on his jet to the US, cricket-mad Rishi said he was confident of England’s chances of winning back the Ashes when the series starts next week.
He said he hoped to see Moeen Ali accept the call-up to save England’s attack.
Asked who should replace injured Jack Leach, the PM said: “That’s tough. Either send the SOS for Moeen Ali, or indeed that 18-year-old, Rehan Ahmed, who had that one unbelievable game.
“I’m very confident. They got me bowled out in the garden at Downing Street, so they’re in good nick.”