It could, but it has been convenient for both GCHQ & the NSA to collaborate & be thoroughly interpenetrated, with lots of joint working. The alliance may be more of a force- & reputation-multiplier for GCHQ, but we needn’t be too humble about the value GCHQ has brought to the common table.
Much like the 'Special Relationship', the Atlantic Alliance was more myth than reality. Both were always a Master Servant relationship. It's why the US hates the EU, it doesn't want a powerful counterbalance.
Being very close to the US must be a great force multiplier, allowing the UK to get a lot more done for much less.
But there's another price I guess. Not being able to act alone, or at least without significant degradation, must be hard to contemplate. It keeps bad marriages together the world over
Presumably one of the more significant reason Macron can do a 'Hugh Grant', directly contradicting Trump in his fireside press conference, whereas Starmer is required to awkwardly dissemble.
“It is also reasonable to assume that American espionage against the British […] would be highly effective and hard to limit.” Has this already happened?
Comments
But there's another price I guess. Not being able to act alone, or at least without significant degradation, must be hard to contemplate. It keeps bad marriages together the world over
What if the inherent trust is destroyed by them?
They don't seem to care unless there is $$$
The UK is in an awkward position and will need some strong leadership in the days ahead.