UK and US relations 'excellent'

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Gordon Brown and George Bush have developed an "excellent relationship", the US ambassador to Britain has said.

Robert Tuttle also said booming cross-Atlantic tourism and educational exchanges showed the "strength and depth of the special relationship".

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Tuttle said America supported the UK's decision to hand over Basra province to Iraqi control.

And he said there was "a little sense of optimism" about Iraq as a whole.

Mr Tuttle said military and civilian casualties in Iraq had fallen significantly in recent months as a result of the US "surge" strategy.

"It's going to be a long slog," he said.

"It is hard work, but I think that there's a little sense of relief and optimism about the surge over the past year."

The ambassador said General David Petraeus, the top US military commander in Iraq, felt it was "proper" that Basra had been handed over by the British.

"I know he has confidence in the general who is head of the security forces in Basra," he added.

'Constant communication'

Mr Tuttle said the Mr Bush, who is entering his final year in office, and Mr Brown had worked well together since first meeting when the British leader was still chancellor.

US ambassador Robert Tuttle said there was cause for hope in Iraq

"President Bush and Prime Minister Brown have developed an excellent relationship and are in constant communication with each other," he said.

When asked about the state of the "special relationship" between Britain and America, the ambassador said: "Almost five million of your citizens are going to travel to the US this year and almost that many in return will come from the US to the UK.

"Fifty thousand American and British students travel across the Atlantic each year to study in our respective countries, so I just think that shows you the strength and depth of the special relationship."

Mr Tuttle also said there were "stimulating and interesting" candidates lining up for the coming US presidential election.

And he expressed optimism about the state of the US economy, adding: "I believe the fundamentals are strong."