In November 2006, Myers created controversy by describing the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom a "one sided" "myth".[7][8] He said that he was "ashamed" of the treatment by US President George W. Bush toward Prime Minister Tony Blair.[8] In response, UK MP Denis MacShane said, "After the Republican defeat in the midterm election, every little rat who feasted during the Bush years is now leaving the ship. I would respect this gentleman, who I have never heard of, if he had had the guts to make any of these points two or five years ago."[8] The US State Department distanced itself from Myers comments, stating, "He was speaking as an academic, not as a representative of the State Department."