In fact, the special relationship has been buoyed up these past 60 years or so by certain quirks in personalities and events beginning after World War II with Clement Atlee's Labour government.

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In what is seen as an attempt to broker a compromise, Tory MP George Eustice has tabled an amendment urging the government to reconfigure its relationship with the EU - returning certain powers to Westminster - before putting the issue to the public.

BBC: EU referendum: MPs told to vote against Monday's motion

In recent years, areas where the relationship has been strained include the loss of Low Value Consignment Relief, which allowed certain items to be sent to UK VAT-free, the ending of reciprocal health agreements and the clampdown on tax evasion, the latest move being announced in the UK budget.

BBC: UK and islands' relations reviewed