Labour warns that Britain is ‘putting America first’ in trade talks

BRITAIN IS pursuing an “America first” approach in its trade talks with the United States, Labour has claimed.

Shadow International Trade Minister Bill Esterson said Government documents lack detail about the impact of cheap imports from the US on UK manufacturing, adding this is an issue the ceramics industry has warned about.

But International Trade Secretary Liz Truss described Labour’s questioning as “ludicrous” and claimed “virtually every sector of the UK economy” will benefit from the desired deal with the US.

The UK Government has published its negotiating objectives for the upcoming talks with the US, which include ensuring the NHS is not for sale via the desired free trade agreement.

Government estimates suggest the post-Brexit deal would have the potential to grow the UK economy by 0.16 per cent, with a £3.4bn yearly increase predicted under the best-case scenario where the UK eliminates import tariffs with the US.

But if only “substantial tariff liberalisation” is achieved, then the increase estimated in 15 years is put at 0.07 per cent, or £1.6bn, in the Government’s preliminary assessment. Critics have warned the benefits of the US deal would pale in comparison to a potentially larger hit to the economy caused by Brexit.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Esterson said: “The BCC (British Ceramics Confederation) warns of the dangers of this Government’s proposed mutual recognition clauses.

“That’s where the flood of low quality imports come from.”

Ms Truss replied saying “virtually every sector of the UK economy” will benefit from a US trade deal.