Peace in Europe “will come by standing together”, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has told his US counterpart in Washington.
Sir Lindsay stressed the need to “show the strength of unity” in the face of “a very dark world” during an address on Capitol Hill, where he was hosted by Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson, a close ally of the president, Donald Trump.
His comments, made during his first visit as Speaker to Washington to celebrate 250 years of American independence, come against the backdrop of the ongoing Ukraine war, transatlantic tensions and concerns over Mr Trump’s commitment to Nato and European security, with a basing review of US forces.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson offered well wishes to the newly-appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and said he was hopeful the UK Government could work with the US “to advance the shared interests and the priorities of our people”.
Sir Lindsay’s trip follows Mr Johnson’s visit to Westminster in January, when he became the first US Speaker to address Parliament.
The Commons Speaker opened his remarks by paying tribute to the late Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of Nato, whom he said had “been inspiring us all on Ukraine”.
Sir Lindsay told Mr Johnson that there was “a lot that unites us”.
He said: “As we come to the 250th year, we now go to the next 250 years and what I would like to see is not just about a special relationship, about a very special relationship taking us forward.
“But of course it’s what binds us together: it’s our unity, our strength, and belief in democracy in a world that we see democracy shrinking at the moment.”
Sir Lindsay added: “And we must stand together, show the strength of unity between the two great nations, because in the end we’ve got to lead and show the light to others in a very dark world, in dangerous places.”
He concluded: “And just let us remind us, peace in Europe will come by standing together.”
In his speech, Mr Johnson said: “The United States and the United Kingdom are two of the most exceptional nations the world has ever known and together we form the single greatest force for advancing human freedom and preserving the values of western civilisation.
“Speaker Hoyle and I believe wholeheartedly in that special relationship as it is called.
“We will continue to be a beacon for liberty and freedom, that’s the resolve that both nations have, just as it has throughout our history, and this visit reaffirms that shared hope and commitment that we have.”
Offering his good wishes to Mr Burnham, Mr Johnson said: “I’m hopeful this new government can work together with the United States to advance the shared interest and the priorities of our people.
The Speaker was joined stateside by MPs from the British-American Parliamentary Group and took part in an event to bring together parliamentarians, business leaders, and officials from both countries.
During his visit, Sir Lindsay laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery and the tomb of America’s founding father and first president George Washington in Mount Vernon, Virginia.
He also held meetings with the US House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi.
He then travelled to Boston, to address the Massachusetts Senate, before visiting Duxbury and Plymouth, where the Pilgrim Fathers landed in 1620 and eventually settled.
Earlier this year the King and Queen undertook a state visit to the US to mark the 250th anniversary of independence from Britain.
Charles used his historic address to Congress to speak in support of Nato and Ukraine, in what was seen as a subtle rebuke to the US president.
