Starmer and Trump Engage in Discussion on Trade and Security
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Synopsis
British PM Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump discussed ongoing trade negotiations and international issues during a phone call on April 19, 2023. Both leaders expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement amid recent tariff developments.
Key Takeaways
- Keir Starmer emphasizes free trade and national interest.
- Discussion on trade negotiations between UK and US.
- Optimism for a potential trade deal.
- International issues like Ukraine and Iran were addressed.
- Impact of new tariffs on British goods.
London, April 19 (NationPress) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his dedication to free and open trade while highlighting the necessity of safeguarding national interests during a conversation with US President Donald Trump, as stated in a release from Downing Street.
The dialogue commenced with the leaders discussing the ongoing trade negotiations between Britain and the US on Friday afternoon, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
According to a summary from 10 Downing Street, the leaders reviewed the current "productive trade discussions" between the UK and the US.
Both parties expressed positivity regarding the possibility of reaching an agreement.
Additionally, they exchanged insights on significant international matters, including the situations in Ukraine and Iran, as well as the recent military actions against the Houthis in Yemen.
This phone call follows the US administration's recent decision to implement extensive tariffs on various nations worldwide.
Although Trump later announced a 90-day pause on certain tariffs while maintaining a baseline of 10 percent tariffs on imports to America, including British goods, the British car industry, along with steel and aluminum exports, still faces a 25 percent tariff for relevant products sold to the US.
In a statement on Monday, US Vice President J.D. Vance mentioned that there was a "good chance" a trade deal with Britain could be achieved, adding that Washington is collaborating closely with the British government.
On Thursday, Trump also suggested during comments at the White House that a state visit to Britain is in the works for September.
This marks the first conversation between Starmer and Trump since the latter announced a series of tariffs on countries on April 2, which he referred to as "liberation day".
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to engage in discussions with the White House next week in efforts to establish a trade deal, which Britain hopes can alleviate the impact of the tariffs.
Nevertheless, Trump remarked on Thursday that he is in "no rush" to finalize any agreements due to the revenue generated by his new tariffs.
Trump stated that many countries are eager to negotiate deals "frankly … more than I do", and that any agreements would materialize "at a certain point".
