We were told by President Obama that in respect of international trade, we would have to get to the back of the queue - not a position that America normally requires the United Kingdom to be in when it comes to other matters, such as the Iraq War.

The quote by Boris Johnson reflects on a perceived imbalance in international trade negotiations between the United Kingdom and the United States. Johnson notes that President Obama indicated that the UK would have to “get to the back of the queue” in trade matters, implying that the UK’s interests would not be prioritized. This highlights frustrations over the diplomatic hierarchy and the challenges smaller or secondary powers may face in negotiations with larger nations.

Johnson contrasts this situation with other areas of international engagement, such as the Iraq War, where he suggests that the UK historically received greater consideration and influence from the United States. By drawing this comparison, he emphasizes a sense of diminished leverage in trade discussions compared to previous high-stakes international matters where the UK’s input was more influential.

The origin of this quote comes from Boris Johnson, a British politician and former Prime Minister, reflecting on his experiences with US-UK relations and international diplomacy. His remarks highlight the complexities of negotiating trade deals and the strategic considerations that nations weigh in balancing historical alliances with current economic priorities.

Overall, the quote underscores the dynamics of power, respect, and negotiation in international relations. Johnson’s words suggest that even longstanding allies may face limitations in influence when it comes to certain global matters, emphasizing the realpolitik inherent in trade and diplomatic interactions.