British Prime Minister Tony Blair today defended his strong relationship with the White House by claiming the alliance was "a very, very powerful force for the values that we believe in".
Mr Blair was giving evidence to MPs during a session before the Commons Liaison Committee.
"That's not to say there mustn't be disagreements with America over aspects of policy," he said. "But I think the transatlantic relationship has served America and the world well through the 20th century and I think we have to maintain it. America, for all its faults, is a force for good in the world".
He was challenged by Home Affairs Committee chairman Mr Chris Mullin on whether the relationship was not a one-way street.
There would be disagreements over issues such as trade, or climate change, conceded Mr Blair. "But by and large on these big international security issues we stick together and I think rightly".
Asked to characterise Britain's relationship with the US, Mr Blair said it was a strong bond, but "despite what people may think, if we disagree with them, we say so".
But Mr Mullin said: "At the end of the day, we don't have that much influence on them. In the end, they behave as they have always done".