The Prime Minister is expected to make a statement later today regarding ongoing trade talks with the United States, with reports suggesting a deal has been reached between the two nations. The announcement follows a cryptic post by US President Donald Trump, who teased a “major trade deal” with a “big, highly respected country,” fuelling speculation that the UK is the country in question.
The announcement on Trump’s Truth Social platform has sent ripples through UK political circles, with American media outlets, including the New York Times, reporting that the deal is with the UK, citing sources familiar with the discussions. A press conference is scheduled for 3 pm UK time, where Trump is expected to provide further details.
A spokeswoman for Number 10 confirmed that the UK Government has been engaged in fast-moving negotiations with the US, with the Prime Minister poised to provide an update later in the day. The UK Government has been working to reduce the impact of tariffs imposed by Trump in April 2025, which levied a 10% duty on all UK exports and a 25% tariff on steel, aluminium, and cars.
The UK’s efforts to reach a trade agreement with the US are aimed at alleviating the economic strain caused by the tariffs. The trade discussions have gained urgency, as businesses across the UK have raised concerns about the financial impact, particularly in industries like manufacturing, which rely heavily on exports to the US.
The timing of Trump’s post caught political observers by surprise, as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was due to focus on VE Day commemorations on Thursday. However, it appears that the announcement may now take precedence, especially if Trump confirms the deal.
If confirmed, the trade deal would mark the first significant agreement between the UK and the US since Trump’s announcement of the sweeping tariffs on 2 April. Reports have indicated that the deal may involve reciprocal tariff reductions, with the UK potentially lowering some tariffs on American products. One area of focus in the talks is the UK’s digital services tax, which predominantly affects US tech giants. The US has been pushing for changes to this tax as part of the broader negotiations.
However, the UK Government has ruled out certain concessions. Prime Minister’s officials have made it clear that there will be no lowering of food standards to accommodate more US agricultural imports, nor will there be any weakening of the Online Safety Act, which has been a point of contention with some US businesses who argue that it infringes upon freedom of speech.
A spokeswoman for Number 10 reiterated: “The Prime Minister will always act in Britain’s national interest – for workers, for businesses, for families. The United States is an indispensable ally for both our economic and national security.”
Today’s anticipated announcement comes just two days after the UK revealed it had secured a trade deal with India, hailed by Sir Keir Starmer as a “landmark deal” that will open up new markets and boost the UK economy. The deal with India, a key partner in the Commonwealth, is seen as a significant achievement for the UK post-Brexit and could have long-term benefits for British exports.
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However, not all political parties are fully supportive of the government’s approach to trade deals. The Liberal Democrats have called for MPs to be given a vote on any agreement reached with the US, to ensure that it is properly scrutinised. Daisy Cooper, the party’s deputy leader and Treasury spokesperson, raised concerns that the deal could undermine key British sectors.
Cooper warned: “A good trade deal with the US could bring huge benefits, but Liberal Democrats are deeply concerned that it may include measures that threaten our NHS, undermine our farmers, or give tax cuts to US tech billionaires.”
She added: “If the Government is confident the agreement it has negotiated with Trump is in Britain’s national interest, it should not be afraid to bring it before MPs for proper scrutiny.”
As the clock ticks down to Trump’s expected announcement, all eyes will be on the details of the deal and how it will shape the UK’s trade relations with the US moving forward.
