Top Trump Aide Urges UK to Align with US Over EU on Trade
London (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A senior economic adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has suggested that the UK should prioritize its trade relationship with the United States rather than seeking closer ties with the European Union.
In a recent interview with The Times, Stephen Moore, a top economic adviser to Trump, emphasized that Britain faces a critical decision regarding its trade future. According to Moore, the UK must choose between aligning itself with what he described as “EU socialism” or embracing “US freedom” through a free-market approach.
Is the UK Shifting Toward a European Socialist Model?
Moore expressed concern that Britain may be gravitating towards a more European-style economic model. He stated, “Britain has to decide — do you want to go towards the European socialist model or do you want to go towards the US free market? Lately, it seems like they are shifting more toward a European model.” He added that such a shift could diminish U.S. interest in pursuing a free trade agreement with the UK, emphasizing that he hopes the country returns to a more pro-market direction. Moore linked his concerns to the recently announced budget in London, which he believes leans towards a European framework.
This statement is seen by experts as an attempt to pressure UK Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer to rethink the party’s stance on trade, potentially signaling growing tensions with the incoming White House administration.
Should the UK Join the EU Customs Union for Growth?
Conversely, Molly Scott Cato, an economist and former Member of European Parliament (MEP), has cautioned against prioritizing relations with the U.S. over repairing ties with the EU. Cato, who serves as a senior vice-chair of the European Movement UK, urged that the UK should not be swayed by threats and should instead consider reintegration with the EU’s economic structures.
Speaking to The Independent, Cato argued that significant economic opportunities are being missed due to Brexit. “Significant economic benefits will remain out of reach unless the government is willing to choose a better deal with Europe above Trump’s U.S. and above other deals which risk undermining our standards. The UK should at least rejoin the EU Customs Union and build from there.”
As an economist, Cato noted that the economic impact of Brexit is no surprise. She recommended practical measures like establishing a Veterinary Agreement to reduce red tape and ease border checks, which would help alleviate some of the trade barriers currently in place.
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Brussels Morning is an online newspaper based in Belgium offering unique and independent coverage of international and European affairs, with a focus on EU policies, Member State developments, and global issues from a European perspective.
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