Murphy, Shaheen Urge British Prime Minister Theresa May to "choose a More Balanced," Bipartisan Relationship With U.S.

Statement

U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), respectively the current and former Ranking Members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, wrote to British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday expressing concern and disappointment over her decision to meet with Congressional Republicans at the GOP retreat last month, and to decline a similar meeting with Congressional Democrats. In a letter addressed to May, Murphy and Sheanne emphasized that May is the first serving foreign leader to break protocol and speak at a Congressional Republican retreat, and that they hope the British government will choose a more balanced relationship with the United States' entire elected government, not just one party, going forward.

"We write to express our disappointment that your first official visit to the United States as Prime Minister was partisan in nature. As you know, foreign leaders have historically coordinated with congressional leadership from both political parties when visiting the United States, recognizing that support from both parties is necessary in order to advance shared economic, political, and security interests," wrote the senators. "…We hope to be able to work together with you in a more constructive manner in the future."

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