Trump confirms 'major' new trade deal with UK in first agreement since announcing tariffs
Topics: Donald Trump, Tariffs, UK News, US News
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/FOXNews
Topics: Donald Trump, Tariffs, UK News, US News
Donald Trump has confirmed a 'major' new trade deal with the UK in a first agreement with a foreign nation since he introduced controversial tariffs.
Ever since Trump returned to office in January, the 47th POTUS has introduced many tariffs on nations across the globe.
Such moves have been met with widespread criticism from world leaders, but the US has now managed to strike a new trade deal with one of its closest allies, the UK.
Trump took to Truth Social to tease the big announcement on May 7 as he penned: "Big News Conference tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M., The Oval Office, concerning a MAJOR TRADE DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!"
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The UK government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has been pursuing a deal with the US to reduce the impact of sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump last month, which placed a ten percent levy on all UK exports and a 25 percent charge on steel, aluminum, and cars.
Speaking in the White House, Trump said the agreement with the UK would be a 'great deal for both countries'.
Meanwhile, Starmer said 'this is a really fantastic, historic day' as he spoke to US President Donald Trump about a trade deal.
The US-UK trade agreement is 'a full and comprehensive one' that will 'cement the relationship' between the two countries 'for many years to come', Trump has said.
Reports have previously suggested a deal could see the UK reduce some tariffs on American products, as well as changing the digital services tax that currently affects mainly US tech companies.
However, Starmer has ruled out lowering food standards to allow more US agricultural products into the country, or watering down the Online Safety Act.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister will always act in Britain’s national interest – for workers, for business, for families.
“The United States is an indispensable ally for both our economic and national security.”
The British PM vowed to 'deliver security and renewal for our country' prior the trade deal announcement.
Speaking to the London Defence Conference, Starmer said: “Talks with the US have been ongoing and you’ll hear more from me about that later today.
“But make no mistake, I will always act in our national interest, for workers, businesses and families, to deliver security and renewal for our country.”
Meanwhile, Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrats deputy leader and Treasury spokeswoman, said: “A good trade deal with the US could bring huge benefits, but Liberal Democrats are deeply concerned that it may include measures that threaten our NHS, undermine our farmers or give tax cuts to US tech billionaires.
“If the Government is confident the agreement it has negotiated with Trump is in Britain’s national interest, it should not be afraid to bring it before MPs.”