The US and Britain unveiled a fresh strategic pact on Thursday (08), reaffirming their commitment to the "special relationship" in order to counter the challenges posed by Russia, China, and economic instability.
During a summit held at the White House, US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak presented a unified stance regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
However, Sunak's aspirations for a post-Brexit free-trade agreement with Washington did not materialise, as the British Prime Minister agreed to align with Biden's vision of establishing a new green economy through extensive industrial subsidies.
The leaders have adopted an "Atlantic Declaration" with the objective of enhancing industry connections in defense and renewable energy sectors, as a response to the increasing competition posed by authoritarian states.
"Countries like China and Russia are willing to manipulate and exploit or steal our intellectual property, use technology for authoritarian ends, or withdraw crucial resources like energy," Sunak told a news conference alongside Biden.
"They will not succeed," he added.
As part of the declaration, both parties have agreed to initiate discussions regarding the US' handling of critical minerals utilised in electric batteries, specifically in the context of Britain.
Biden has also committed to seeking congressional designation of Britain as a domestic source for defense procurement. This designation aims to expedite the advancement of cutting-edge weapons, including hypersonic missiles.
- 'Never been stronger' -
Despite the lack of a trade deal, Sunak said "the economic relationship has never been stronger," describing the "special relationship" as in fact the "indispensable alliance."
For Sunak, his inaugural White House summit held significance in not only reestablishing personal connections but also overcoming the impact of multiple prime minister changes in Britain last year.
Additionally, given Biden's strong ties to his Irish heritage, he openly expressed his dissatisfaction with Boris Johnson's management of Northern Ireland.
Biden acknowledged that, for the US, no other country held comparable importance to Britain, a sentiment that was unlikely to have been expressed during the post-Brexit disagreements experienced under Johnson's leadership.
Both leaders reached a consensus on the notion that the global economy is undergoing its most significant transformation since the Industrial Revolution.
They recognised that artificial intelligence (AI) is a driving force behind these changes, which has prompted concerns about the potential existential threat posed by sentient machines.
To mitigate these risks, coordinated action by governments is deemed necessary.
Biden expressed support for Sunak's proposal to bring together "like-minded" nations for the world's inaugural AI summit, scheduled to take place in Britain later this year.
In addition, Sunak aims to establish an AI regulatory body in the UK.
"The potential of AI is staggering," the president said, saying it had "the potential to do great damage if it's not controlled."
"We are looking to Great Britain to help lead a way through this. There is no country we have greater faith in to help negotiate our way through this," Biden added.
However, Sunak's aspirations face challenges as the US and the European Union are already involved in their own discussions regarding an AI code of conduct. Industry experts have been advocating for regulations in the field.
- NATO leadership -
Biden and Sunak made a joint commitment to continue leading international efforts in support of Ukraine, following their pledge to provide billions of dollars in military assistance to aid Kyiv in its fight against Russian invaders.
Biden said that they discussed their "unwavering support for the people of Ukraine who are defending themselves against most brutal aggression we have seen in a long time."
"I want to thank the prime minister for his strong, strong leadership," he said, also voicing confidence that the United States, despite hesitation from some of his Republican rivals, will provide "funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes."
During their meeting, Sunak and Biden engaged in a discussion regarding the leadership of NATO, as the alliance prepares for an upcoming summit in Vilnius next month.
Among the contenders for the position, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace was a topic of consideration.
"They have a candidate who's a very qualified individual," Biden said of Wallace's candidacy, responding "maybe" when asked if it was time for another British secretary-general of NATO.
The incumbent Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, who has earned commendation from allies for his leadership during the conflict, is set to depart from his position in October.
Stoltenberg had previously extended his tenure, delaying his appointment as the central bank chief in Norway.
But Biden emphasised the necessity for consensus within NATO regarding the selection of the next Secretary-General.
Contenders for the role include the prime ministers of Denmark and Estonia, who are both regarded as potential candidates.
UK music industry continue to face systemic barriers that hinder progress, visibility, and career growth – despite decades of contribution and cultural influence, a new report has revealed.
The study, South Asian Soundcheck, published last Tuesday (7), surveyed 349 artists and professionals and found that while many are skilled and ambitious, structural obstacles are still holding them back.
Prepared by Lila, a charity focused on empowering south Asian artists and music professionals, the survey showed that nearly three-quarters of respondents earn some income from music, but only 28 per cent rely on it full time.
More than half struggle to access opportunities or funding, and many said they lack industry networks or knowledge about contracts and rights.
Beyond structural issues, almost half said they face stereotypes about the kind of music they should make; two in five encounter family doubts about music as a career, and one in three has experienced racial discrimination.
Although 69 per cent said there was progress in visibility, but 68 per cent still feel invisible within the industry.
Respondents sought urgent action, including mentorship and networking opportunities, stronger south Asian representation in key industry roles and fairer access to funding.
Veteran musician and composer Viram Jasani, who chaired the Asian Music Circuit and led a national enquiry into south Asian music in 1985, told Eastern Eye the findings were “disheartening”.
“I read the report and my heart sank – it feels as though nothing has changed,” he said.
“Back in 1985, we had already identified the same problems and made clear recommendations for better representation, employment and long-term support. Four decades later, we are still talking about the same issues.”
Jasani, a sitar, tabla and tambura expert, said the report focused mainly on modern genres and overlooked traditional south Asian music, which he believes is central to cultural identity.
“Since colonial times, British attitudes have not changed much,” he said. “If they can erase Indian traditional culture and create a community that lives entirely within an English cultural bubble, then they will have succeeded.”
He added that young south Asian artists were often drawn to Western contemporary music, while neglecting their own heritage.
“We are brilliant in Western genres, but that should come after we are grounded in our traditional shashtriya sangeet (classical music),” he said. “Without that foundation, we lose our sense of identity.”
Jasani also warned a lack of unity within the south Asian community continues to weaken its cultural progress.
He said, “People compete with each other while the world watches. For too long, massaging egos has taken priority over producing the best of our culture.”
According to the survey, one in three has experienced direct racial discrimination. One respondent said, “There are virtually no visible and successful south Asian artists in the mainstream – people simply do not know where to place us.”
Another added: “I want south Asian artists to be part of the collective mainstream industry, not just put on south Asian-specific stages or events.”
While the visibility of south Asian artists has improved, with more names appearing on festival line-ups and in the media, the study revealed this progress remains “surface level”.
Lila’s founder, Vikram Gudi, said the findings show progress has not yet been translated into structural inclusion.
“The data exposes what we call the progress paradox. Seventy-three per cent of the people we surveyed earn some money from music, but only 27 per cent earn enough to rely on it as a sustainable career,” he said.
“The Soundcheck gives us the evidence to enact real change and identifies three essential needs – mentorship, representation, and investment.”
Three-quarters of participants said mentorship from experienced professionals would make the biggest difference to their careers. Many stressed the importance of being guided by people who “understand how the industry works and can connect them to decision-makers”.
Nearly the same proportion called for greater south Asian representation across the music industry – not just on stage, but within executive, programming and production roles at festivals, venues, record labels and streaming services.
Dedicated funding also emerged as a priority, with many describing the current grant systems as inaccessible or ill-suited to the diverse and cross-genre work that defines south Asian creativity today.
Two in five respondents reported that family or community resistance remains a challenge, often due to the perceived instability of a music career. The report argued this scepticism is “economically logical”, when there are so few visible south Asian success stories in the mainstream.
Responding to the report, Indy Vidyalankara, member of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and BPI Equity & Justice Advisory Group, said: “South Asian music is rich, vibrant, and hugely influential. We need south Asian representation at every level of the ecosystem, plus support and investment to match that influence.”
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