Trump ‘bullish’ on closer UK ties after Brexit

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump is “excited” about closer post-Brexit relations with the UK, according to his envoy in London, who said the British government would gain more leverage with the EU if it secured a free-trade deal with the US and other security allies first.

“I think he’s very bullish,” said ambassador Woody Johnson. “He’s said dozens of times how excited he is about the prospect of a closer relationship... and how it’s so important to the US that our security and our prosperity are so closely linked.”

UK Prime minister Boris Johnson has prioritised a trade deal with the US when the UK leaves the EU this month. But despite the enthusiasm on both sides, there are potential sticking points, including on food standards and Britain’s separate trade talks with the EU, especially as the Trump administration has been pushing Britain to ditch its alignment to European regulations.

Envoy Johnson said trade deals with the US and other so-called Five Eyes security partners — Canada, Australia and New Zealand — “will strengthen your hand when you are negotiating with your closest geographical trading partner”.

The ambassador reiterated Trump’s December comment that he had no interest in the NHS.

During last month’s UK election, the opposition Labour Party accused the British government of planning to sell off the state-run health system to secure a US trade deal.

“No, no and double-no,” he said. “We’ve got our own issues dealing with healthcare.”