Downstream: We Have to Break Up With The USA w/ Angus Hanton
Mar 17, 2025
auto_awesome
In this captivating discussion, Angus Hanton, a businessman and author of 'Vassal State: How America Runs Britain', challenges the notion of the UK's 'special relationship' with the US. He argues that this alliance may be more harmful than beneficial, compromising Britain's autonomy and living standards. Hanton delves into the implications of American influence on British politics, military capacity, and economic security. He raises crucial questions about shifting loyalties, national identity, and the future of UK-US relations amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
The podcast discusses how Britain's dependency on the U.S. may be compromising its national interests and autonomy.
It highlights the problematic nature of British politicians prioritizing U.S. relations over domestic concerns, often due to personal ties to American corporations.
The conversation contrasts Britain's reliance on U.S. firms with France's economic nationalism, suggesting alternative paths for the UK's future strategies.
Deep dives
Britain's Vassal Status
The episode discusses the notion that Britain has become a vassal state of the United States, highlighting the deepening control and influence the U.S. exerts over various sectors within the UK. This dynamic is viewed as worsening, particularly under the Trump administration, which is characterized as taking an overtly imperialist approach to its foreign relations. The conversation revolves around how this dependence manifests in areas like culture, economy, and public services, raising questions about Britain's autonomy and ability to make independent policy decisions. The recurring theme suggests that the relationship has devolved into one where Britain acquiesces to U.S. demands, thereby compromising its own national interests.
Political Class's Subservience
A significant point raised is the British political class's subservience to American interests, where many politicians have ties to U.S. corporations after leaving office. This is illustrated through examples of past prime ministers taking roles in American firms, demonstrating that their orientation often aligns more closely with Washington rather than with independent British interests. The discussion points out that this dependence creates a reluctance among politicians to challenge U.S. policies or actions, even when those actions may be against the UK's best interests. Furthermore, it notes the implications on decision-making processes, where politicians may prioritize U.S. relations over domestic concerns.
The Challenge of U.S. Corporate Influence
The episode highlights the pervasive influence that U.S. corporations have on the UK market, citing the dominance of companies like Amazon and Apple in various sectors. This influence is described as a form of techno-imperialism, where British consumers and businesses are compelled to engage with American platforms, often at the expense of domestic alternatives. There is a growing concern about how this not only affects local businesses but also how it shapes cultural norms and expectations within the UK. The discussion emphasizes the need for a conscious effort to create and support British alternatives, aligning with a broader conversation about economic independence.
Implications for the NHS and Public Services
The conversation explores the increasing reliance of the NHS on U.S. technology and products, noting that many services and supplies come from American firms. This dependency raises questions about the sustainability and independence of the NHS, particularly as healthcare costs continue to rise. The discussion provides examples of how this reliance extends to medical supplies, software, and even private hospital services, which complicates the narrative surrounding the UK's health service. This situation underscores a critical concern about the long-term implications of such dependence on a foreign market for essential public services.
France's Independent Stance
A comparison is drawn between the UK's subservience to the U.S. and France's more independent stance regarding its relationship with America. The discussion points out that France, through historical and political choices, has cultivated a sense of economic nationalism that protects its domestic industries from American dominance. The French government’s approach to business and trade contrasts sharply with the UK’s, fostering a protective business environment that allows local firms to thrive without succumbing to foreign takeover. This difference illustrates a broader cultural and political divergence, suggesting a potential path for the UK to reconsider its own strategies moving forward.
Deteriorating Economic Landscape
The episode outlines the diminishing economic power of the UK, with references made to how significant firms have either been acquired by U.S. companies or have chosen to delist from the London Stock Exchange for U.S. markets. This trend is identified as detrimental to the City of London and the overall UK economy, jeopardizing jobs and economic stability. The discussion emphasizes that the increasing attractiveness of U.S. markets is leading to a loss of British identity in critical sectors, which could have long-term ramifications. It brings into focus the urgent need for the UK to foster an environment where local businesses can flourish and reduce the dependency on foreign markets.
The ‘special relationship’ is central to how Britain conducts its foreign policy and perceives itself as a country. The argument goes: proximity to Washington allows London to maintain a semblance of its former prestige and power. The media and political class can’t get enough of it. But what if Britain’s relationship to the United States […]
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
