Damning report condemns 'unclear' British foreign policy The United States has no better or more capable ally than the United Kingdom. There is indeed a "special relationship" between the two nations. "But the operational nature of the "special relationship" is at risk." Read the Atlantic Council report in full Referring to the "great pressure" to restore public finances, it says David Cameron had adopted a "drastic austerity programme" including cuts of 7.5 per cent over five years. These, it says, will leave the UK without carrier-style capability until 2020. The "trend lines for the capabilities of the UK military are worrisome," it adds. Until 2020, it says, "the US will find its most capable partner for global action weakened." Moreover, Prime Minister David Cameron's coalition government has yet to develop a coherent strategic vision for the UK's role in a changing global landscape. Saying the coalition had downplayed the term "special relationship" while weakening ties to Europe, it found Mr Cameron's handling of the European summit in December 2011 "threatens to leave London isolated." To be successful, NATO and the United States need a strong and self-confident United Kingdom. The key issue is whether the Cameron government will act to revive Britain's irreplaceable military capacity. The United Kingdom's future global role depends on it. In advising the United Kingdom on future police, the report states: "The United Kingdom's deep defence reductions risk undermining its special status as one of NATO's most capable members. The Cameron government must meet its pledge to renew defence investments and should consider redeploying the second if the two newly-ordered Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers with NATO or the United States after 2018, if it cannot deploy it nationally.