Why is Barack Obama visiting the UK prime minister at Downing Street?

It seemed to catch most people, including reputable news outlets, out as former President of the United States, Barack Obama was seen walking up to Number 10 Downing Street in London, famously the home of the UK prime minister. There is a lot going on right now, both in the United Kingdom and the US, much of it smothered in speculation more than substance, and that has intensified the initial chatter among reasons for the visit.

Hot topics for Obama-Sunak meeting

The immediate official communication was that the get together between the Obama, who was the 44th US President from 2009 to 2017, and the current British PM Rishi Sunak was for an ‘undisclosed private meeting’. Expectations are that more details will be provided about this later in the day. But there is much to be discussed.

Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, right on the doorstep of NATO’s European countries, is certainly one aspect needing careful attention. Then there is the US presidential election later in the year which could see a return to the White House for a less than predictable Donald Trump, who has a very curious relationship with Vladimir Putin.

More innocent lives are being lost in Israel’s offensive in Gaza, with both the UK and the US heavily involved, and then there is the speculation surrounding the British Royal Family which is taking more headlines and attention than is relatively necessary given everything else.

But the truth is that as Obama is not part of Joe Biden’s current administration, it’s hard to imagine much more than some informal chat over a cup of English tea. The now 62-year-old is believed to be in London for some work engagements linked to his foundation and decided to fit in a session with Sunak, who he is said to have never met before.

What is the Logan Act?

One topic that was given some renewed interest with this brief visit was the Logan Act. In case you’re unaware of this oft-cited piece of legislation when it suits someone’s political viewpoint, it is a United States federal law that prohibits unauthorised citizens from negotiating with foreign governments having a dispute with the United States.

It was enacted in 1799 and is named after George Logan, a Pennsylvania state legislator and pacifist who engaged in unauthorised negotiations with France during the Quasi-War between the United States and France.

The Logan Act has rarely been invoked and has never resulted in a conviction, but it remains a symbol of the US’ stance on unauthorised diplomatic activities by private citizens. And fingers are currently being pointed at a certain Barack Obama.