United States United Kingdom

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Mark J. Finlay enjoys deep relationships with leaders in all parties representing the people of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom's parliament - and indeed in the regional assemblies and parliaments in Belfast, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. 

The Palace of Westminster is referred to as the "mother of parliaments,"

given its historical, cultural, and political significance and the foundational role it played in the evolution of parliamentary governance worldwide. 

The United Kingdom is a Constitutional Monarchy: The UK has a constitutional monarchy where the monarch (currently King Charles III) who serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. While the monarch's powers are largely ceremonial and symbolic, 'the Crown' is a cornerstone of British identity.

Parliamentary Sovereignty: The UK Parliament is the supreme legal authority, capable of creating or ending any law. The Place of Westminster is home to two houses: the House of Commons (elected members) and the House of Lords (appointed and hereditary members).

Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the majority party leader in the House of Commons, responsible for running the government, making policy decisions, and representing the UK domestically and internationally. 

Cabinet: The Prime Minister's executive team, composed of senior government ministers - most being heads of various departments.

Judicial Independence: The judiciary is separate from the legislature and the executive, ensuring that laws are interpreted without political bias.

Mark has similarly developed close friendships with members of congress in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, representing each of the fifty states, in all their beauty and diversity. 

The United States' form of government borrows several key principles and structures from Westminster, the Mother of Parliaments, not least its Bicameral Legislature. The U.S. Congress - Senate and the House of Representatives; and the UK Parliament - House of Commons and House of Lords - bicameral structure ensure checks and balances within the legislative process.  

Common Law System: The U.S. legal system is based on English common law, which relies on precedents and judicial decisions, making it a fundamental part of the American legal framework.  

The Rule of Law: The principle that law applies equally to all individuals and that government actions must adhere to established laws.  

Representation: The concept of elected representatives serving the people is central to both systems. 

Judicial Review: The practice of courts interpreting laws and ensuring they comply with the constitution has roots in English legal traditions, although it was formalized in the U.S. with the Constitution and later cases.  

Constitutionality of Laws: While the British system does not have a single written constitution, but the idea of a constitutionally governed state influenced the framing of the U.S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights.  

The US and UK have developed unique Interoperability Capabilities.  This term refers to the ability of military forces from both countries to operate together effectively. The UK and US have made significant investments in ensuring that their armed forces can seamlessly integrate during joint operations.

Mark J. Finlay was privileged to come aboard the Royal Navy's flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, off Annapolis, MD - when she paid an operational and courtesy visit to Washington, D.C. - and learned about the U.S. Marine Corps that deploy from @HMSQNLZ. Amongst others, the U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) — known as the Wake Island Avengers — completed a six-month deployment on board as a unit of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group. Indeed, up to 250 U.S. Marines and U.S Navy Sailors have sailed aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth and similarly aboard her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales.

While this military cooperation is unprecedented, the level of Defense Cooperation, industrial partnership, and Intelligence Sharing are of even greater significance. This arena will increasingly present more and more commercial opportunity. 

As with other 'industrial sectors' Mark and his team can assist companies seeking to understand UK and US defense procurement opportunities.

For almost a decade, @MarkJFinlay was responsible for the redevelopment and regeneration of HMS Rosyth, Scotland - the UK's former nuclear submarine base on the Firth of Forth - remediating and transforming it into a modern business environment, a working commercial port - now with Free Port status - and, home to the UK's Carrier Fleet. 

The picture above shows HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving her home port, slipping under the iconic Forth Bridges, and sailing into deployment at the head of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group. 

On her last tour she reportedly Travelled nearly sailed 13,000 nautical miles, generated enough power to supply the UK for 45mins, served 84,500 meals, achieved 944 deck landings, and entertained 1000 guests. 

People might not realise the role the military plays as ambassadors of our nation's engineering and logistics capabilities, providing graphic demonstration of our ingenuity, sustainability, and creativity.

We hope and pray for the safety of all the men and women of our military services and for peace in our times, and we welcome opportunities to assist partners to play their parts and demonstrate their capabilities in the USA, the UK, and beyond.