Reagan Foundation Gathers Prominent U.S. and U.K. Leaders to Honor Reagan & Thatcher Relationship

Ambassador Warren Stephens, Leader Kemi Badenoch and others share remarks on the former leaders’ historic legacies 

SIMI VALLEY, CA—The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) recently concluded a week of events in London, commemorating Margaret Thatcher’s 100th birthday and honoring her legacy alongside President Ronald Reagan. The events brought together high-profile leaders to reaffirm the enduring strength of the U.S.-U.K. special relationship. 

Following the celebration of Thatcher’s 100th birthday on Monday, October 13, the RRPFI hosted an event on Thursday, October 16, focusing on the historic alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. Sir Mark Thatcher, Margaret Thatcher’s son, shared remarks on the Reagan-Thatcher relationship, noting, “leadership is a lonely job, and in a sense it should be, but both my mother and the President had each other's shoulder to lean on to gain aspiration, and insurance, and strength, and in doing so they forged a friendship that became emblematic of Anglo-American relations for decades to come.” 

Wall Street Journal columnist and former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan moderated two subsequent panels. The first, “Partners in Freedom: The Historic Alliance of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher,” featured Lord Charles Moore, chairman of The Spectator; Lord Charles Powell, Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister Thatcher; Lord John Kerr, former British Ambassador to the United States and the European Union; and Fred Ryan, Chairman of the RRPFI Board of Trustees. 

Among the many remarks, Charles Moore highlighted the unique relationship between President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher, and by extension, the U.S. and U.K.  “The same two-term U.S. president had the same British prime minister throughout his term,” he said. “They had a prior friendship and a completely continuous communication at the top, and that has never happened before or since, and I think it was really momentous.”  

The second panel, “Across the Atlantic: The Evolving U.K.–U.S. Partnership,” featured former U.S. Representative Mac Thornberry and Tom Tugendhat, MP. They discussed the future of the U.S.-U.K. relationship, highlighting current challenges, including economic uncertainty and political polarization, as well as opportunities, such as artificial intelligence and the future of conservatism. 

Reflecting on the reason for the depth of the U.S.-U.K. relationship, Thornberry said, “Churchill talked about law, language, literature and a shared history that we have…part of our history is British history, and that results in shared values.” 

The week concluded Friday, October 17, with a ceremony for the rededication of the Ronald Reagan statue in Grosvenor Square. The Royal Air Force Lakenheath Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by remarks from Paul Dimoldenberg, the Lord Mayor of Westminster; Warren Stephens, the U.S. ambassador to the U.K.; Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition; and Fred Ryan. 

“The challenge for all of us is much greater than just keeping this statue standing tall and shining bright,” said Fred Ryan. “The challenge is whether we do our part to advance the cause of peace and freedom. And those who pass by here each day in Grosvenor Square will be reminded of the work that lies before us and the history that unites us and inspires us.” 

“The fact the United Kingdom provides such prominent places to honor America's leaders is a true symbol of our friendship,” said Ambassador Stephens. He went on to speak of the historic Reagan-Thatcher friendship, saying, “Theirs was a true friendship, and one that embodied the very best of the special relationship – robust, endearing, enduring and unbreakable.” 

Leader Badenoch gave concluding remarks, recounting her memory of President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher, saying, “That period of my childhood – when we had Mrs. Thatcher in office in the U.K., and President Reagan in office in the U.S. – was potentially the greatest era in the modern history of the West.” 

To watch all videos of the events, visit the RRPFI YouTube page.

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute:
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives. In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions. 

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries. Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Center. More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

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