Quite right! Is Britain still a great power? – and why Ed Miliband should go | Quite right!
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Mar 11, 2026 They argue about Britain’s shrinking clout in the Middle East and whether dependence on the US reveals real limits to influence. They debate the state of UK military and diplomatic reach, and how policy choices and civil service shifts affect power abroad. They also scrutinise energy strategy, questioning net zero timing, domestic oil and gas decline, and the economic fallout for regions and industry.
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Diminished UK Power Forces US Alignment
- Britain’s diminished military and economic capacity forces it to follow US-led policy rather than independently project power.
- Michael Gove argues the UK’s shrunken army, navy and air capabilities have made alignment with America the price of retained status.
US Alliance Buys Status But Costs Independence
- Aligning with the US buys Britain status but limits independent foreign policy choices and can treat the UK as a junior partner.
- Michael Gove notes the US supplies key military support and kit that sustain Britain’s global role.
Acquiescence Doesn’t Guarantee Reward
- Following the US does not always yield tangible rewards; Britain joined US-led wars but still faced diplomatic snubs and economic costs.
- Madeline Grant contrasts Britain’s sacrifices in Iraq with being deprioritised for trade deals later.