The United Kingdom is poised to embark on 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 led by Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, who emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering economic ties between the two nations.
With an investment stock totaling around $1.5 trillion and a trading relationship valued at $437 billion, the US-UK partnership is a cornerstone of economic collaboration. This trade mission aims to unlock new opportunities for growth, with Kyle 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.”
The event will feature a two-day thought leadership summit sponsored by PwC, themed “Unexpected Connections,” which will showcase 30 headline voices from various sectors. The UK Government’s GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign is organizing the expo, further highlighting the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
In addition to the trade mission, the UK is also preparing for its role in chairing the P5 Process for the upcoming 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 diplomacy underscores the UK’s strategic positioning on the global stage.
As the UK Labour party, under Keir Starmer, seeks to learn from historical precedents set by Australian leaders like Hawke and Keating, the mission is seen as a vital step in reinforcing the UK’s economic strategy. Senior figure Darren Jones noted the importance of adapting successful models to enhance the UK’s trade capabilities.
Both British Airways and American Airlines have expressed their support for the GREAT campaign, with British Airways CEO Sean Doyle stating, “British Airways is proud to support the GREAT campaign as we celebrate the creativity and innovation shared by the United Kingdom and United States.” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the deep partnership between their brands and the two nations.
The US-UK partnership supports approximately 2.6 million jobs, showcasing the tangible benefits of this collaboration. As the trade mission approaches, reactions from business leaders and government officials are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the potential for significant economic impact.
As preparations continue, the UK delegation is expected to engage with various stakeholders to maximize the outcomes of this historic trade mission. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific agreements or partnerships that may emerge from the event, but the anticipation is palpable as both countries look to reinforce their longstanding ties.