Earlier this month, Joe Biden caused anger in the UK when, during a trip to Israel, he compared the treatment of the Palestinians to Britain’s “attitude towards Irish Catholics over the years”. The US President is a staunch critic of Brexit and when he campaigned to oust Donald Trump from the White House in 2020, he suggested that his Irish family roots put him at odds with Britain. Mr Biden’s government has widely criticized the UK government’s position on the Northern Ireland Protocol, often warning not to go back on the treaty with the European Union.
But Jane Hartley, the new US ambassador to the UK, has denied that the US president feels any negativity towards Britain because of his Irish heritage, stressing that he values the “personal relationship” he has with the UK.
Responding to claims that Mr Biden may have issues with Brexit Britain, she told Times Radio: “I don’t think it’s an accurate perception. The personal relationship the President has with the UK is incredibly strong.”
Ms Hartley also sought to reaffirm the “special relationship” between the US and the UK, describing connections to Britain as “by far our closest relationship anywhere in the world”.
However, the envoy’s denials of problems Mr Biden could have with Brexit in Britain have been bungled by Nile Gardiner, the foreign policy expert and former assistant to Margaret Thatcher.
Responding to Ms Hartley’s comments, the Brexiteer tweeted: “Except President Biden’s hatred of Brexit, his government’s threats about the Northern Ireland Protocol, his adoration of the EU, his removal of the Churchill bust from the OvalOffice.
“Joe Biden has not been a friend of Britain.”
Ms Hartley also intervened in the hotly contested issue of the Northern Ireland Protocol by calling for further talks between the UK and the EU in a bid to make it work.
Commenting on the importance of finding a solution to the current deadlock between the two sides, she warned that indecision is “never positive” when it comes to economic investment.
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The newly appointed envoy said: “There has to be some way that both sides can come to an agreement, you know, and negotiation and negotiation, everyone always has to give a little bit.
“But this is an important moment. The Good Friday Agreement, in April it will be 25 years. We want what we see up there – the peace, prosperity and security – to continue.
“What we would like is, please, this is not, we are not part of these negotiations, but we would urge you to please sit down, sit down privately, and let’s see if there’s a way around this work for both parties.”
Elsewhere in her Times Radio interview, Ms Hartley suggested Biden could make a formal state visit to Britain in the next 12 months.
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The newly appointed US ambassador to the UK said: “I’m definitely trying to get him to come.
“I think the president will travel a little more. Covid was difficult for everyone.”
Ms Hartley also praised the UK’s swift response to the Russian war in Ukraine, admitting that it “preceded us even” in imposing some penalties and urging banks in the belligerent country to seek membership in the international financial messaging system Swift.
She said the UK’s prompt and positive response had been “recognized” by both the White House and Congress.
In further praise, the ambassador in London said the UK’s supply of weapons and training to Ukrainian troops had been the source of many “compliments” from US politicians.