In a significant development for international trade, the United Kingdom is set to lead its largest-ever trade mission to the United States, known as Greater Together LA, from May 18 to May 22, 2026. The mission will be spearheaded by Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, who aims to foster deeper economic ties between the two nations.
This ambitious initiative comes at a time when the US-UK partnership boasts an impressive investment stock of around $1.5 trillion, supporting approximately 2.6 million jobs across both countries. The trading relationship is valued at $437 billion, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving economic growth and innovation.
Greater Together LA will feature a two-day thought leadership summit sponsored by PwC, themed “Unexpected Connections.” This summit will showcase 30 headline voices from various sectors, emphasizing the shared values of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship that underpin the US-UK relationship. The UK Government’s GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign is organizing the expo, further underscoring the commitment to enhancing bilateral trade.
As the UK prepares for this momentous event, it also holds the responsibility of chairing the P5 Process for the upcoming 2026 NPT Review Conference, which will take place at the United Nations HQ in New York from April 27 to May 22, 2026. This dual focus on trade and international diplomacy illustrates the UK’s strategic approach to fostering global partnerships.
In a statement, Peter Kyle expressed enthusiasm for the mission, stating, “Our trade mission to Greater Together LA is championing shared values—innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship—to unlock new opportunities for both our economies to grow and thrive.” This sentiment is echoed by leaders from the airline industry, with Sean Doyle of British Airways and Robert Isom of American Airlines both expressing pride in supporting the GREAT campaign and strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
The UK Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, has also been proactive in learning from international examples, drawing lessons from Australian leaders like Hawke and Keating to enhance its approach to trade and diplomacy. This reflects a broader commitment to evolving the UK’s role on the global stage.
As the countdown begins, with just four weeks until the NPT Review Conference, the UK is poised to leverage this trade mission to not only boost economic ties but also to reinforce its diplomatic standing. The event is seen as a vital opportunity to move the P5 from a holding pattern toward a more constructive trajectory.
Initial reactions to the Greater Together LA trade mission have been overwhelmingly positive, with stakeholders eager to explore the potential benefits of enhanced collaboration. As the UK and US continue to navigate their unique economic and cultural relationship, the outcomes of this mission could set the tone for future engagements.
