国际英语新闻：British MPs call for rethink on "special relationship" with U.S.

"The UK must continue to position itself closely alongside the U.S. but there is a need to be less deferential and more willing to say 'no' where our interests diverge."

British and European politicians have been guilty of over- optimism about the extent of influence they have over the U.S., said Gapes, and they must accept that globalization, structural changes and shifts in geopolitical power will inevitably affect the UK-U.S. relationship.

Gapes issued a warning that Britain must expect its future influence on the United States to lessen, despite shared culture and belief in democracy, freedom and the rule of law.

"It is likely that the extent of political influence which the UK has exercised on U.S. decision-making as a consequence of its military commitments is likely to diminish. Over the longer-term the UK is unlikely to be able to influence the U.S. to the extent it has in the past," said Gapes.

He also criticized current government policy which has seen the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's presence in the United States suffer because of "unacceptable financial pressure" from the Treasury.