In a significant development for international trade relations, the United Kingdom is set to lead its largest trade mission to the United States, dubbed Greater Together LA, from May 18 to May 22, 2026. This ambitious initiative will be spearheaded by Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and aims to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
Greater Together LA is not just another trade mission; it represents a pivotal moment in the US-UK partnership, which boasts an impressive investment stock of around $1.5 trillion and a trading relationship valued at $437 billion. The mission is expected to support approximately 2.6 million jobs across both countries, underscoring the importance of this collaboration in driving economic growth and innovation.
The event will feature a two-day thought leadership summit sponsored by PwC, with the theme “Unexpected Connections.” This summit will showcase 30 headline voices from various sectors, aiming to foster dialogue and explore new avenues for collaboration. As the UK Government’s GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign organizes the expo, it emphasizes the shared values of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship that both nations cherish.
In the context of ongoing geopolitical developments, the UK is also preparing to chair the P5 Process for the 2026 NPT Review Conference, which will take place from April 27 to May 22 at the United Nations HQ in New York. This dual focus on trade and international security highlights the UK’s strategic positioning on the global stage.
As the UK Labour party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, draws lessons from Australian leaders such as Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, the Greater Together LA mission reflects a broader strategy to enhance bilateral relations. Darren Jones, a senior figure in Starmer’s government, has emphasized the importance of learning from past successes to navigate the complexities of modern diplomacy.
Reactions from key stakeholders have been overwhelmingly positive. Peter Kyle stated, “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.” Similarly, Sean Doyle of British Airways expressed pride in supporting the GREAT campaign, highlighting the creativity and innovation shared by the UK and US. Robert Isom of American Airlines echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the deep partnership between the two nations.
Marco Amitrano, another prominent figure in the discussions, remarked, “The UK and US share a unique economic and cultural relationship – one that continues to evolve through investment, innovation, and the creation of high-quality jobs.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the Greater Together LA mission, which seeks to build upon the existing framework of cooperation.
As the countdown to the event begins, the anticipation surrounding Greater Together LA is palpable. With just weeks to go until the NPT Review Conference, the UK has a narrow but real window to help move the P5 from a holding pattern toward a more constructive trajectory. The outcomes of this trade mission could significantly influence future US-UK relations and set the stage for a new era of collaboration.