Lammy travels to Washington as UK joins America’s 250th anniversary programme

Britain has opened its participation in America’s 250th anniversary commemorations, using the Washington visit to position Europe as a strategic partner to the US on Ukraine, economic security and the future of the transatlantic relationship

The UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, has arrived in Washington DC to begin the UK’s participation in America 250, a year-long programme marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Lammy was invited to the U.S capital by Vice President JD Vance, with discussions expected to focus on transatlantic economic cooperation, Europe’s role in securing long-term peace in Ukraine, and opportunities to increase bilateral investment.

The visit marks the first formal British engagement in the anniversary year and comes as both governments look to reassert the value of the UK–U.S relationship during a period of geopolitical realignment and heightened strategic competition with China.

At a commemorative event at Mount Vernon, Lammy will take part in a ceremonial time capsule exchange between the UK and the U.S. The capsule, designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster, will be buried beneath the Washington Monument until 4 July 2276, mirroring a sister capsule buried in Trafalgar Square last year.

According to the government, the Deputy Prime Minister will speak about the importance of the “special relationship”, saying: “Far from being an abstract idea, it is built through practical cooperation and shared purpose.

“In defence and security. In the trade and investment that benefit us all. In working together to secure peace and stability across the globe. And in our partnerships on emerging technologies and energy security, which will help shape the world in the decades to come.”

Lammy will add that the relationship is personally rooted in his own time in the U.S: “For me, it is deeply personal influenced by my own history in your country. First, studying in Massachusetts and then working in California. Opportunities here which enabled me, in turn, to serve the public of my own country.”

The UK’s contribution to the capsule — a Portland limestone capstone cut from an original step of the George Washington Statue plinth in London — is inscribed with thirteen six-pointed stars “replicating the design of George Washington’s famous Headquarters Flag”.

Lammy will also meet U.S Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan and members of Congress on Capitol Hill during the visit, along with Baltimore’s Next One Up charity and the 2026 cohort of Marshall Scholars who will study in the UK during the anniversary year.

After Washington, the Deputy PM will travel to Toronto to examine judicial reforms in Ontario, including the expansion of judge-only trials, which Canadian authorities say have helped speed up the delivery of justice.

The America 250 programme will run through 4 July 2026, with planning led by federal, state and civic organisations across the country.

READ MORE: ‘UK and U.S unveil landmark tech pact with £250bn investment surge’. Britain and the United States have declared a “golden age” of technology, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailing a £250bn State Visit investment surge as proof the UK is “punching above our weight” in science and innovation.

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_{Main image: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street (UK) and Daniel Torok/Library of Congress (US).}