Now Trump wades in and claims deal is ‘better for EU’
DONALD Trump last night threw a grenade into the Brexit debate by warning that Theresa May’s deal could prevent a US-UK trade pact.
In a typically provocative intervention, the US president claimed the withdrawal agreement with Brussels was a ‘great deal’ for the European Union.
He said he feared it would hinder trade between Britain and the US, and suggested the UK prime minister should seek amendments.
Hardline Brexiteers jumped
‘Trump is spot on’
on Mr Trump’s remarks, claiming they justified their opposition to Mrs May’s plans. However, Downing Street hit back, insisting Britain would be free to make new trade partnerships.
Mr Trump issued his warning about the Brexit agreement at the White House, telling reporters: ‘Sounds like a great deal for the EU.
‘I think we have to take a look at, seriously, whether or not the UK is allowed to trade. Because, you know, right now, if you look at the deal, they may not be able to trade with us. I don’t think they meant that. I don’t think that the prime minister meant that.
‘And, hopefully, she’ll be able to do something about that.
‘But, right now, as the deal stands, she may not, they may not, be able to trade with the US. And, I don’t think they want that at all.’
His remarks came as Theresa May suffered another difficult day in Westminster, with MPs expressing their discontent.
She will try to get back on to the front foot today by visiting Wales and Northern Ireland to win public support and pressure MPs to toe the line.
As the date for the major Commons vote on the Brexit agreement was confirmed as December 11, Mrs May vowed to press on despite warnings it could cost her her job.
There were suspicions last night that Mr Trump was influenced by his right-wing friend Nigel Farage, who is strongly opposed to Mrs May’s withdrawal agreement.
The US president has previously embarrassed Mrs May by suggesting she should listen to Mr Farage’s advice and even suggested the former Ukip leader should be the UK’s ambassador to the US.
Tory MPs opposed to Mrs May’s plan last night attempted to use Mr Trump’s remarks to bolster their case. Michael Fabricant tweeted: ‘Trump is spot on. It’s a great deal for the EU.’
But a Number 10 spokesman said: ‘The political declaration we have agreed with the EU is very clear we will have an independent trade policy so that the UK can sign trade deals with countries around the world – including the US.’
Meanwhile, to add to the pressure on Mrs May, it emerged that a 25th Tory MP, Andrew Lewer, declared they had written a formal letter of no confidence in Mrs May – 48 letters are needed to spark a leadership contest.