LONDON, Jan. 7 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

* UK engagement inAmerica 250 year kicks off withtime capsule exchange * Deputy PM to visit his counterpart in the White House to discuss UK-US special relationship, economicgrowthand long-term peacein Ukraine * DPMtowitnesscourt reforms in Toronto that introduced judge-only trials helping speed up justice for victims

The Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, will today(Wednesday7 January)begin atwo-dayvisit to Washington DC at the invitation of his counterpart, Vice President JD Vance.

The Deputy Prime Minister will kick-off UK engagement in the America 250 celebrations, as the US marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence - its semi-quincentennial.

TheDeputy Prime Minister and Vice Presidentwill discuss Europe's role in delivering sustainable, long-term peace in Ukraine and shared endeavours to deliverjobs and economic growth both sides of the Atlantic.

At anAmerica 250event in MountVernon,the Deputy Prime Ministerwillreflect on how his experiences studying and working in America shaped his own public serviceandlook ahead to the shared futureof the UK and the US.

The Deputy Prime Ministerwilldeliver the United Kingdom's contribution to atime capsule,destined to be buried under the Washington Monument,as part of thecelebrations. This comes theyear after a sistertime capsulewas buried in Trafalgar Square in London.

He will also meet young men supported by Baltimore's Next One Up charity to become thecity'snext generation of leaders,as well asthe 2026 cohort ofMarshallScholars who will study postgraduate degrees in the UK during the historic America 250 Anniversary Year.

The Deputy PM is expected to speak about the strength of the special relationship, saying:

Far from being an abstract idea,itis built through practical cooperation and shared purpose.

In defence and security.Inthetrade and investment thatbenefitus all. Inworking together tosecurepeaceand stabilityacrosstheglobe.And in our partnerships on emerging technologiesand energy security,which will help shape the worldin the decadesto come.

For me, it is deeply personalinfluencedby my ownhistoryinyour country.First, studying in Massachusettsandthenworking in California. Opportunities here which enabled me, in turn, to serve the public of my own country.

So today is very much about historybut it is also aboutlooking to the future.

The250thanniversary of your independence in July and events which will showcase this great nation and the huge amount it has to offer the world.

The Deputy Prime Minister,Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin and USSecretary of Interior Doug Burgumwill be joined at Mount Vernon by students who had winning entries in Virginia's statewide'Expressions of Freedom'student competition included in the contents of the Time Capsule.

The Time Capsule - designed by architect Lord Norman Foster - willcontaininstructions to be reopened on 4thJuly 2276.TheDeputy Prime Minister will gift the US Government with thePortland limestone Capstone - made from one of the original steps of the George Washington Statue plinth in London -whichis inscribed with thirteen six-pointed stars replicating the design of George Washington's famous Headquarters Flag.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister is also expected tomeetUS Supreme Justice Elena Kaganat the Supreme Courtandmembers of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Following the Deputy Prime Minister's visit to Washington DC he will travel to Toronto togather vital information on how judge-alone trialsoperatein Ontarioand what lessons could be learnt for court reform in England and Wales.He will discuss how the system works withsenior members of the judiciary and the Attorney General of Ontario, Doug Downey.

Background information

* The America 250 programme encourages Americans to reflect on their history and renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy.You can find out more about the America 250 programme of activity here. * Photos of the Deputy Prime Minister attending the ceremony at Mount Vernonand meeting with the Vice President areavailable on request.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.