US confirms trade-deal talks to start after Brexit

THE US administration has formally confirmed it intends to pursue a trade deal with the UK “as soon as it is ready” after leaving the EU.

Donald Trump’s trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, notified Congress of plans to open negotiations with the UK, as well as with the EU and Japan.

Talks with the EU and Japan are intended to begin “as soon as practicable”, and certainly within 90 days, but the US-UK negotiations will have to wait until after the date of Brexit on March 29 next year.

A bilateral trade deal with the US is regarded by many supporters of EU withdrawal as the jewel in the crown of Brexit.

Any discussions are certain to spark intense controversy over the potential involvement of American corporations in the NHS, as well as expected US demands for access to UK markets for GM crops, hormone-enhanced beef and chlorine-washed chicken.

Mr Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, has warned continued UK adherence to EU environmental, workplace and animal welfare standards following Brexit could present “landmines” in the way of a deal.

In letters to senior members of Congress, Mr Lighthizer said: “We intend to initiate negotiations with the United Kingdom as soon as it is ready after it exits the European Union on March 29, 2019.”

Mr Lighthizer said an “ambitious” US-UK deal could further expand the two countries’ deep trade and investment relationship “by removing existing goods and services tariff, and non-tariff trade barriers.”