The Special Relationship LIVES: Poll finds UK is viewed as America’s closest ally by Trump AND Biden voters in boost for trade deal push

  • EXCLUSIVE: Poll finds UK rated as America's best ally across party lines in states 
  • Both Trump and Biden voters saw Britain as closer ally than neigbouring Canada 
  • Boris Johnson has been pushing hard for a trade deal with the US after Brexit  

The 'Special Relationship' appears to be alive and well after a poll found the UK is viewed as America's closest ally across political divides.

Research by Public First found both Donald Trump and Joe Biden supporters rated Britain as their closest friend - above even neighbouring Canada.

The results of the survey are a boost for Boris Johnson as he scrambles to put together a post-Brexit trade deal.

Mr Trump has been very enthusiastic about the prospects for a pact, but he is currently trailing behind Mr Biden in the race for the White House and Democrats have struck a more negative tone. 

In the poll, carried out for John Hulsman Enterprises this week, Americans were given a choice of major world powers and asked to pick five that they considered the the US’s 'greatest allies'.

In the poll, carried out for John Hulsman Enterprises this week, Americans were given a choice of major world powers and asked to pick five that they considered the the US¿s 'greatest allies'

In the poll, carried out for John Hulsman Enterprises this week, Americans were given a choice of major world powers and asked to pick five that they considered the the US’s 'greatest allies'

The UK was the country most often placed at the top of the list across parties, with 45 per cent listing the country as an ally.

And the figure was even higher among self-declared Republicans, at 48 per cent, and Democrats, at 50 per cent.

By contrast, the second place country Canada rated at 38 per cent overall.

Israel was listed as an ally by 24 per cent, Germany and France 22 per cent, and Japan 19 per cent.

The survey also asked Americans to give a view on who their biggest enemies were.

Overall, North Korea came top with 45 per cent putting it on their list.

However, there was a stark difference between Trump and Biden supporters on their views of Russia and China.

Some 50 per cent of Republicans saw China as an enemy, compared to 40 per cent of Democrats.

But in the case of Russia, 37 per cent of Trump backers said it was an enemy, while 50 per cent of Biden voters thought it was. 

One thing that both parties were agreed on is that China is the US's biggest rival.

Some 44 per cent viewed the Asian superpower in that way, with the figure for Republicans 48 per cent and Democrats 47 per cent.  

:: Public First polled 2,004 US adults online, with the results weighted to represent the wider population.

Mr Trump has been very enthusiastic about the prospects for a Transatlantic trade deal, but he is currently trailing behind Joe Biden (pictured) in the race for the White House and Democrats have struck a more negative tone

Mr Trump has been very enthusiastic about the prospects for a Transatlantic trade deal, but he is currently trailing behind Joe Biden (pictured) in the race for the White House and Democrats have struck a more negative tone

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