UK and US united as trade talks start
BRITAIN and America will officially launch talks for a major free trade agreement tomorrow.
The move comes amid growing optimism that the two countries can have a first-stage deal in place by the end of the year, when the UK’S Brexit transition period with the EU comes to an end.
Liz Truss, the UK’S International Trade Secretary and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, are starting the negotiations with a video conference call.
This first round of talks will last for about two weeks and will involve around 100 negotiators on each side.
Ms Truss said: “The US is our largest trading partner, and increasing transatlantic trade can help our economies bounce back from the challenge posed by coronavirus.
“We want to strike an ambitious deal that opens up opportunities for our businesses, brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country.
“As we sit down at the negotiating table, be assured that we will drive a hard bargain to secure a deal that benefits individuals and businesses in every region and nation of the UK.” It is hoped that a UK/US deal could redefine world trade and link the financial centres in London and New York.the move also heaps huge pressure on the EU’S negotiating team, headed by Michel Barnier.
Senior Brexiteers, such as former cabinet minister Owen Paterson, who now heads up a Brexit think tank, have pointed out that a British/us deal gives the UK “a one-stop shop” for goods and services, strengthening its hand in making other deals.
Other Tory MPS are pressing the
Government to ensure deals are in place to speed up Britain’s recovery from the coronavirus.
Writing for the Sunday Express today, Dehenna Davison – the recently elected MP for Bishop Auckland – argued that Britain will need to trade its way to economic recovery.
She said: “Coronavirus has shown us the importance of keeping trade flowing and building diverse supply chains that are robust in a crisis. Diversifying our trade beyond the EU and China to key partners such as the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan is in our own interests.
“But – and this cannot be overstated – this doesn’t mean that countries who don’t play fair will get a free pass. We are an aspirational nation that believes in hard work.
“By embracing this spirit, by being a nation of grafters, by looking outwards rather than in, we can bolster our economy and leave our children with a better future.”
Government analysis shows a UK-US free trade agreement (FTA) will benefit every region and nation in the UK, with the greatest benefits being seen in Scotland, the northeast and the Midlands.
The FTA will also include a dedicated chapter to help the UK’S 5.9 million small businesses.
On the UK side, talks will be led by Oliver Griffiths, with all UK trade negotiations being overseen by Crawford Falconer, who is Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser at the Department for International Trade.
He was formerly New Zealand’s Chief Negotiator and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization.
Further rounds of talks will take place approximately every six weeks and will be carried out remotely until lockdowns are lifted.