TRUMP STICKS THE BOOT INTO MAY
He claims Brexit plan could scupper US trade deal ++ But No10 lashes back and insists: It’s simply not true
DONALD Trump last night threw a grenade into the Brexit debate by warning Theresa May’s deal could prevent a US-UK trade pact.
In a typically provocative intervention, the President claimed the withdrawal agreement with Brussels was a ‘great deal’ for the EU.
He said he feared it would hinder trade between Britain and the US, and suggested the Prime Minister should seek amendments. Hardline Brexiteers jumped on Mr Trump’s remarks, claiming they justified their opposition to Mrs May’s plans. Downing Street hit back, insisting Britain would be free to make new trade partnerships.
The US President 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 the Prime Minister suffered another difficult day in Westminster, with politicians of all parties expressing their discontent. She will try to get back on to the front foot today by visiting Wales and Northern Ireland today to win public support.
As the date for the ‘meaningful’ Commons vote on the withdrawal agreement was confirmed as December 11:
Mrs May vowed to press on with her Brexit strategy despite warnings it could cost her her job;
It emerged that a Cabinet meeting was dominated by no-deal preparations;
Andrew Lewer became the 25th Tory MP to declare he had written a formal letter of no confidence in Mrs May – 48 letters are needed to spark a contest;
Mrs May rounded on Emmanuel Macron over his threat to the UK’s fishing industry, with No 10 warning that French trawlers could be banned from UK waters;
Downing Street fuelled suspicion of a backroom deal with Labour by offering a Brexit plan briefing to opposition MPs;
Haulage firms were warned they have less than a month to apply for an international licence or face being banned from the EU if there is a no-deal Brexit.
There were suspicions last night that Mr Trump was influenced by his friend Nigel Farage, who is strongly opposed to Mrs May’s withdrawal agreement. The US President has previously embarrassed the Prime Minister 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.’
Andy Wigmore, a spokesman for Brexit campaigner Arron Banks, said: ‘Good for him, perhaps Theresa May will listen to him – she should listen to him.’
Downing Street last night launched an immediate operation to counter Mr Trump’s remarks. Justice minister Rory Stewart said: ‘There will be scope to do trade deals after we leave, and the EU have made that very clear in black and white in the political declaration.’
‘It would not be a good idea to cut off trade with the EU simply to chase a trade deal with the US. We have to do this in a balanced way.’
A No 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.’