Regarding its imperial past, the United Kingdom has long enjoyed the role of an independent leading power whilst maintaining a close relationship with the United States. The process of joining the EU was protracted and indecisive, as Britain was reluctant to relinquish its supremacy, independence and arrangements with the United States, particularly in the area of economics. This mentality eventually led to the Brexit referendum in 2016. From that moment on, the United Kingdom had to reposition itself globally with the concurrent intention of strengthening its economic ties with the United States.