A spokesperson for the U.K. Prime Minister remained tight-lipped on Wednesday when asked about recent reports concerning ongoing trade discussions with the United States.
“We’re engaged in trade talks with the U.S. aimed at reducing trade barriers between our two countries,” the spokesperson told reporters. “I’m not going to pre-empt the outcome of those talks, but we’re having constructive discussions.”
The spokesperson emphasized, however, that the U.K. would not compromise on its food safety standards — particularly its ban on imports of hormone-treated beef — describing these standards as a “red line” in the negotiations.
The comments come as U.K. Chancellor Rachel Reeves begins a three-day visit to Washington, D.C., for the International Monetary Fund’s Spring Meetings. During the trip, she is expected to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has emerged as President Donald Trump’s lead trade representative.
Among the U.K.’s top priorities in the negotiations is the removal of 25 percent tariffs imposed on British exports of cars, steel, and aluminum, as well as addressing potential new tariffs on pharmaceuticals — all measures introduced under the Trump administration.
“We will always stand up for Britain’s national interest,” Reeves said in remarks on Tuesday night.













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