Trump hails ‘very big and exciting’ UK/US trade deal

However, lords warn of farmers being unable to compete with cheap imports

Donald Trump has talked up the prospects of a “very big and exciting” post-Brexit trade deal between the US and UK, amid controversy over whether Britain would have to relax food standards to secure an agreement.

In an early-morning tweet, the US president hit out at the “protectionist” EU and said work was under way on what could be a “major” deal with the UK.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, who is in Washington for talks with US trade representatives, played down critics’ fears that British markets could be opened up to US agricultural products currently blocked by EU food standards rules, including controversial chlorine-washed chicken.

The comments came as a cross-party House of Lords EU committee warned the Government’s desire to secure free trade agreements after leaving the European Union could result in a “race to the bottom” on animal welfare standards.

Mr Trump said talks between Dr Fox and US trade representative Robert Lighthizer marked the opening of a “new chapter for stronger trade” which could make the trans-Atlantic special relationship “even better”.

And yesterday, he followed up with a message: “Working on major Trade Deal with the United Kingdom. Could be very big & exciting. JOBS! The E.U. is very protectionist with the U.S. STOP!”

The House of Lords Energy and Environment sub-committee warned animal welfare standards could be undermined if post-Brexit trade deals leave UK farmers competing against less-regulated foreign rivals.

Its report said: “Our evidence strongly suggests the greatest threat to farm animal welfare standards post-Brexit would come from UK farmers competing against cheap, imported food from countries that produce to lower standards than the UK.

“Unless consumers are willing to pay for higher welfare products, UK farmers could become uncompetitive and welfare standards in the UK could come under pressure.”

They warned imports from lowerwelfare countries could “undermine the sustainability of the industry or incentivise a race to the bottom for welfare standards.”

The peers also raised concerns about the “overwhelming reliance” on EU citizens in crucial veterinary positions.