UK Determined to Continue Trade Talks with U.S. Despite Tariffs
In a recent interview, British Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged that the United Kingdom is likely to face U.S. tariffs before a new trade deal is finalized. However, he emphasized that this development would not derail ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
Reynolds noted that U.S. President JD Vance has been firm on implementing tariffs universally starting April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day.” “The president wants this ‘Liberation Day’ tomorrow to apply to every country in the world — and there’ll be no exemptions on that first day,” Reynolds said. “But if any country is well positioned to reach an agreement with the U.S., it’s the UK, given the groundwork we’ve already done.”
He clarified that the April 2 implementation is not a hard deadline for talks. “If they take action tomorrow, that is not a reason to walk away from the potential to secure an agreement,” Reynolds said, signaling London’s commitment to keeping the dialogue open.
Addressing speculation that free speech policies might be influencing trade talks, Reynolds said this issue has not been a significant factor in discussions with either the U.S. Commerce Department or the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
This comes in response to earlier comments made by Vice-President Vance, who criticized several European nations — including the UK — for what he described as free speech restrictions. During Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Washington, Vance stated: “There have been infringements on free speech in Britain, which also affect American technology companies and, by extension, American citizens.”
Despite these tensions, both sides appear intent on continuing discussions in the hope of reaching a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
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