Johnson pledges hard bargain on salmon as US trade talks begin
Boris Johnson has said that trading “Scottish salmon for stetson hats” would ensure a good trade deal as the government outlined its negotiating objectives for the upcoming trade talks.
However he was warned not to “sacrifice” Scotland’s “globally recognised food standards” in order to secure noneu trade deals. Scotland’s rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said that public statements on food standards “have yet to provide any reliable assurances that hormoneinjected beef and chlorinated chicken – among other products from around the world will not be granted access to the UK market”.
But the Prime Minister pledged to “drive a hard bargain” and said his faith was with the UK negotiators, as ministers prepared to publish its negotiation mandate with the US today. Mr Johnson said: “We have the best negotiators in the business and of course, we’re going to drive a hard bargain to boost British industry. Trading Scottish smoked salmon for Stetson hats, we will deliver lower prices and more choice for our shoppers. Most importantly, this transatlantic trade deal will reflect the unique closeness of our two great nations.”
The government has said it wants to open up opportunities for British businesses and investors while also ensuring the NHS is not for sale via the desired free trade agreement. It added it remains committed to keeping the NHS universal and free at the point of use, something which the Prime Minister was pushed on time after time during the general election.
The British team also wants to guarantee high standards and protections for British consumers and workers, including on animal welfare.
The talks will take place in parallel with the bartering with the European Union over a post-brexit relationship. Downing Street has been urged by trade union leaders not to “cosy up” to president Donald Trump during the talks, with calls for the PM to block any US manoeuvring to lower food standards.
The Department for International Trade said it expects manufacturers of ceramics, cars, food and drink, and professional services to be among the British industries to benefit most from tariff-free access to the US market. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “Striking ambitious free trade agreements with our partners around the world is one of the key opportunities of Britain becoming an independent trading nation once again. Following Britain’s divorce from Brussels it is now free to strike global deals.”