BritishAmerican Business (BAB) has today published its 2026 Policy Agenda setting out business-led recommendations to strengthen the US-UK economic corridor at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade policy and national security concerns.

In the year ahead, BAB will advocate for practical, pro-growth transatlantic policies built around four pillars, designed to strengthen trade, investment, security and sectoral collaboration.

The Essential Security Partnership

• • BAB highlights the growing importance of national security concerns within transatlantic economic policy.
  • BAB calls for deeper US-UK cooperation in defence, aerospace, and space, including more predictable procurement, licensing and coordinated export controls.
  • BAB urges governments and business to accelerate the implementation of AUKUS, particularly Pillar II, and to ensure business has early access to Pillar II projects.
  • BAB supports closer coordination on sanctions through shared intelligence, as well as cooperation on supply chain resilience and critical minerals.

The Environment for Business Investment

• • BAB calls on the UK to move from strategy to delivery on industrial policy, while urging the US to maintain predictability and sensitive trade policy.
  • BAB supports competitive tax regimes and regulation that reduces administrative burdens on business.
  • BAB highlights the need to improve mobility of talent and skills via streamlined visas and mutual recognition of qualifications.
  • BAB emphasises the importance of energy policies that support competitiveness and investment.

Transatlantic Trade and the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD)

• • BAB continues to champion transatlantic cooperation and advocate for policies that keep trade open, fair and balanced.
  • BAB calls for full and timely implementation of the EPD, with clear timelines, accountability, and business engagement.
  • BAB supports efforts to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, including resolving steel and aluminium issues.
  • BAB calls for work to resume on the Technology Prosperity Deal which contains high-value, future facing opportunities for both countries.

Sector Priorities

• • Reflecting the breadth of its membership, BAB emphasises sector-specific engagement.
  • Priority sectors include technology and digital, life sciences, financial and professional services, food and drink, defence, and energy and sustainability.
  • Across these sectors, BAB will work to achieve regulatory predictability, reduce barriers and costs, and deepen industrial integration.

BritishAmerican Business CEO Duncan Edwards said:

“Transatlantic business enters 2026 at a moment of uncertainty, as companies navigate shifting trade policy, tariffs, energy costs, regulation, and a complex geopolitical environment – factors that are weighing on confidence and investment decisions.

“BAB’s Policy Agenda for the year ahead sets out practical, pro-growth priorities designed to improve predictability, strengthen the investment environment, and support the US-UK economic corridor.

“The Economic Prosperity Deal and the Technology Prosperity Deal, both signed last year, provide an important framework for cooperation, but their real value will depend on constructive negotiations and effective implementation.

“BAB’s role is more important than ever – working with governments to deliver on these commitments and policy ambitions, ensuring they translate into real outcomes for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”