United Kingdom Leads Largest Trade Mission to the US
The United Kingdom is poised to lead its largest trade mission to the United States, named Greater Together LA, from May 18 to May 22, 2026. The mission will be spearheaded by Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, highlighting the UK’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the US.
Greater Together LA is not only a significant diplomatic initiative but also a testament to the robust economic relationship between the two nations, which boasts an investment stock totaling approximately $1.5 trillion. This partnership supports around 2.6 million jobs across both countries, underscoring the importance of collaboration in fostering economic growth.
The event will feature a two-day thought leadership summit sponsored by PwC, with the theme “Unexpected Connections.” This summit is expected to attract 30 headline voices from various sectors, aiming to explore innovative solutions and partnerships that can drive economic development.
The UK Government’s GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign is organizing the expo, which is expected to showcase the best of British innovation and creativity. Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways, expressed pride in supporting the GREAT campaign, emphasizing the shared creativity and innovation between the UK and the US.
American Airlines is also joining the initiative, with CEO Robert Isom stating that their collaboration with British Airways aims to strengthen the deep partnership between the two nations. This collaboration reflects a broader trend of increasing economic interdependence, with the US-UK trading relationship valued at $437 billion.
In addition to the trade mission, the UK has the responsibility of chairing the P5 Process for the upcoming 2026 NPT Review Conference, which will take place from April 27 to May 22, 2026, at the United Nations HQ in New York. This dual focus on trade and international diplomacy demonstrates the UK’s strategic approach to enhancing its global influence.
Darren Jones, a senior figure in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, noted that the UK Labour party has learned valuable lessons from Australian leaders Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, which could inform their approach to international relations and trade.
As the UK prepares for this significant trade mission, reactions from various stakeholders highlight a shared optimism about the potential for economic growth and collaboration. Marco Amitrano, a representative from PwC, remarked, “The UK and US share a unique economic and cultural relationship – one that continues to evolve through investment, innovation, and the creation of high-quality jobs.”