· UK engagement
in America 250 year kicks off with time capsule
exchange
· Deputy PM to visit his
counterpart in the White House to discuss UK-US special
relationship, economic growth and long-term
peace in Ukraine
·
DPM to witness court reforms in Toronto that
introduced judge-only trials helping speed up justice for
victims
The Deputy Prime Minister, , will
today (Wednesday 7 January) begin
a two-day visit to Washington DC at the invitation of
his counterpart, Vice President JD Vance.
The Deputy Prime Minister will kick-off UK engagement in the
America 250 celebrations, as the US marks 250 years since the
signing of the Declaration of Independence – its
semi-quincentennial.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Vice President will
discuss Europe's role in delivering sustainable, long-term peace
in Ukraine and shared endeavours to deliver jobs and
economic growth both sides of the Atlantic.
At an America 250 event in Mount Vernon, the
Deputy Prime Minister will reflect on how his
experiences studying and working in America shaped his own public
service and look ahead to the shared future of the
UK and the US.
The Deputy Prime Minister will deliver the United
Kingdom's contribution to a time capsule, destined to
be buried under the Washington Monument, as part of
the celebrations. This comes the year after a
sister time capsule was buried in Trafalgar Square in
London.
He will also meet young men supported by Baltimore's Next One Up
charity to become the city's next generation of
leaders, as well as the 2026 cohort
of Marshall Scholars who will study postgraduate
degrees in the UK during the historic America 250 Anniversary
Year.
The Deputy PM is expected to speak about the strength of
the special relationship, saying:
“Far from being an abstract idea, it is built through
practical cooperation and shared purpose.
“In defence and
security. In the trade and
investment that benefit us
all. In working
together to secure peace and
stability across the globe. And
in our partnerships on emerging technologies and energy
security, which will help shape the world in
the decades to come.
“For me, it is deeply personal influenced by
my own history in your
country. First, studying in
Massachusetts and then working
in California. Opportunities here which enabled
me, in turn, to serve
the public of my own
country.
“So today is very much about history but it is also
about looking to the future.
“The 250th anniversary of your independence
in July and
events which will showcase this
great nation and the huge amount it has to offer the
world.”
The Deputy Prime Minister, Governor of Virginia Youngkin and
US Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum will be joined at
Mount Vernon by students who had winning entries in Virginia's
statewide ‘Expressions of Freedom' student competition
included in the contents of the Time Capsule.
The Time Capsule – designed by architect Lord Norman Foster –
will contain instructions to be reopened on
4th July 2276. The Deputy Prime
Minister will gift the US Government with the Portland
limestone Capstone – made from one of the original steps of the
George Washington Statue plinth in London – which is
inscribed with thirteen six-pointed stars replicating the design
of George Washington's famous Headquarters
Flag.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister is also expected
to meet US Supreme Justice Elena Kagan at the
Supreme Court and members of Congress on Capitol
Hill.
Following the Deputy Prime Minister's visit to Washington DC he
will travel to Toronto to gather vital information on how
judge-alone trials operate in Ontario and what
lessons could be learnt for court reform in England and
Wales. He will discuss how the system works with senior
members of the judiciary and the Attorney General of Ontario,
Doug Downey.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The America 250 programme encourages Americans to reflect on
their history and renew their commitment to the ideals of
democracy. You can find out more about the America 250
programme of activity here.
