Exploring the U.S.-UK Bilateral Relationship with Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce

On May 6, 2021, the Meridian Corporate Council partnered with AT&T to host a virtual conversation with H.E. Dame Karen Pierce, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the United States, for a discussion on the U.S.- UK economic partnership and her insight into the future of the G7 relationship. Ambassador Pierce highlighted throughout the conversation the need for global cooperation in various international sectors including trade, healthcare, and technology.

Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce was appointed as Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the United States on March 23, 2020. Prior to arriving in DC, Ambassador Pierce served as the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from March 2018. Ambassador Pierce also served as the Director General for Political Affairs and Chief Operating Officer of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Throughout the webinar, Ambassador Pierce emphasized the importance of international allyship and encouraged business leaders to approach foreign policy with a renewed outlook on issues and situations. As President Biden prepares for his first overseas trip to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Pierce noted that this step demonstrates the Administration's commitment to rebuilding and retooling the transatlantic relationship. However, analysts fear this newfound spirit may not translate to trade as the Biden Administration attempts to tackle domestic issues such as infrastructure and COVID-19. Ambassador Pierce acknowledged this reality, and she noted the United Kingdom will patiently wait as the United States Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, assumes her role. Yet, the U.S.-UK relationship has improved in other sectors, such as travel and alcohol. Additionally, Ambassador Pierce explained that all tariffs, regardless of industry, must be suspended permanently to ensure healthy bilateral collaboration. Ambassador Pierce concluded her remarks by reinforcing how essential cross-sector communication will be as the Biden Administration begins to engage in its foreign policy efforts worldwide.