British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is in Washington for a meeting with US President Joe Biden. They will discuss, among other things, the commercial interests between the two countries and the role of the United Kingdom in the discussion on the regulation of artificial intelligence. “Sunak likes to introduce himself as a technological brother.”
“The British prime minister believes that the UK can play a pioneering role, but not everyone is convinced of that role,” says Lia van Bekhoven, UK correspondent. “Brexit actually prevents that role, because the EU and the US are already discussing this in various ways, and London is obviously not one of them.”
Previous attempts to start such a dialogue with the US have so far failed, but a conversation with Biden could reopen the door. But according to Van Bekhoven, the prime minister is late. “There’s a lot of cynicism, the UK government has realized too late how huge AI is and how big it will be.”
To fill this backlog, Sunak is looking for an international role and is focusing on countries such as South Korea and Japan. The UK can then act as an intermediary in the ongoing talks between the US and the EU, thinks Van Bekhoven.
International security
In addition to artificial intelligence, Sunak and Biden will also discuss the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine. The US president is hesitant about this, while the UK has already promised to provide it. At the same time, Sunak wants to propose British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace as the new NATO leader. He is also seeking White House support for this.
Machine industry
Sunak has to contend with an increasingly concerned auto industry in his country. Following Brexit, the export of UK-built cars will be subject to heavy import duties. That’s why Sunak seeks tax breaks for the British automotive industry when exporting to the United States. Biden would be interested in this. If British automakers, especially electric automakers, get the same benefits as American automakers, then Sunak has a coup.’
Both heads of government get along well, in part because Sunak has strong personal ties to the United States. “He lived, worked and studied there and still has a home there,” says Van Bekhoven.
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Asylum seekers
At the same time, Sunak is trying to find a solution to the asylum problem in the UK. Earlier this week, he said he wanted to pass Britain’s House of Lords to pass its Small Boats Bill, a law that would allow migrants who reach the UK by boat to be turned back. For Van Bekhoven it is clear: “The British don’t want asylum seekers and they do everything they can to keep all asylum seekers out”.
‘The British don’t want asylum seekers and are doing everything they can to keep all asylum seekers out’
In practice, this means that everyone is rejected as a refugee. “It doesn’t matter who or what they are or what their status is. After arrival they can be sent directly to Rwanda and are not entitled to an asylum procedure”.
A frustrating issue for the British government, also because Brexit promised that the number of migrants would decrease so that the British could manage their borders themselves. “Well, the opposite happened. Around 660,000 foreigners arrived in the UK last year. Most entirely legitimate, but also tens of thousands of people come to the coast by boat. Certainly also this summer.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
