LONDON — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered a historic address to the U.K. Parliament, becoming the first American Speaker to do so. Invited by Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Johnson’s remarks honored the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and focused on the shared values and challenges that bind the United States and the United Kingdom.
In his speech, Johnson called for renewed commitment to what he described as the “foundational principles” of both nations, citing liberty, faith, and moral responsibility as essential to preserving Western democracy.
“It is an objective and obvious truth that a strong America is good for the entire world, and a strong U.K. is as well,” Johnson said. “At the same time, it’s also obvious that we have to take care of our own houses before we take care of the neighborhood.”
Johnson’s visit comes as both nations navigate shifting global alliances and economic pressures. During meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other U.K. leaders, Johnson emphasized the resilience of the transatlantic alliance and expressed optimism about future cooperation.
“As we chart our renewal, America has no intention of walking alone,” he said. “More than ever before, we need the British people to be great and proud and patriotic, to work in close concert with us as partners and friends, and to defend the security of the Western world.”
Throughout his address, Johnson urged both governments to confront what he described as a “crisis of self-doubt” in Western societies. He warned against what he called a growing “skepticism towards history and national institutions,” and highlighted the need to preserve the traditions and civic foundations of democratic governance.
Quoting figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher, Johnson underscored themes of moral strength and civic responsibility. He also pointed to shared security concerns, including the rise of China, Russia, and Iran, and praised joint actions such as the recent seizure of a vessel accused of violating oil sanctions.
“Our partnership is proving that nations can prioritize their individual interests responsibly and at the same time strengthen alliances,” Johnson said, adding that “America first does not mean and will never mean America alone.”
Concluding his address, Johnson framed the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K. as central to the preservation of freedom and democracy.
“Together we represent a common history and heritage and the greatest, most free, most prosperous, most successful and benevolent civilization the world has ever known,” he said. “It will endure only as long as we reject decline and recommit to our foundations.”