PM steps up US-trade plans to pressure EU
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson will attempt to kick-off US trade talks next week in a bid to intensify the pressure on the EU.
To signal his readiness to open talks with President Donald Trump, the Government is expected to publish draft objectives for the push to agree a UK-US deal.
Whitehall insiders expect the document to set out “red lines” – which will reiterate that the NHS will not be on the table in the negotiations.
Mr Johnson is also expected to discuss the push for a trans-Atlantic trade deal with senior ministers including Dominic Raab and Michael Gove at a meeting of his “XS” Cabinet Committee today.
His aides hope the signs of accelerating preparations for talks with the US will remind EU chiefs that the UK is open to opportunities around the world. Government officials also sought to quell concerns that a US trade deal will lower barriers to controversial American exports, such as chemically-treated chicken.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “The UK has long been a world leader in food safety and animal welfare.
“We have repeatedly been clear we will continue to uphold these high standards in all future trade deals, ensuring they live up to the values of farmers and consumers across the UK.”
Environment Secretary George Eustice faced criticism on Sunday after repeatedly refusing to rule out chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef being imported from the US under a future deal.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss warned that the UK will drive a hard bargain in trade talks with the US.
In a Written Ministerial Statement to MPs earlier this month, the Cabinet Minister said: “We will drive a hard bargain and, as with all negotiations, we will be prepared to walk away if that is in the national interest.
“Independence will allow the UK to become a truly Global Britain, championing free trade and showing the United Kingdom is a force for good.”