Labour’s trade deal with Washington could be at risk as Sir Keir Starmer closes in on a new partnership with the EU.
Negotiators in Westminster are close to signing up to Brussels’ food and veterinary standards which could shut out US products, reports The Telegraph.
Lord Frost, who led Brexit negotiations under Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party, warned there could be conflicts as the one thing Americans want “is access to our food and agriculture market”.
He told the publication: “We would be selling away our ability to set our rules for no real benefit, and meanwhile, making it more difficult to do FTAs [Free trade agreements] with the countries that we don’t have them with – notably America.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage added: “It is a very, very silly thing to do in a world that is fast changing. What I prioritise is keeping our hands free. Long term, financially, America is a much bigger goal.”
The Prime Minister has previously ruled out rejoining the Single Market or Customs Union, moving away from his previous pledge to restore Freedom of Movement..
EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has been negotiating with Brussels in the hope of securing a “reset” in relations.
However, back in Febrary, the Prime Minister was warned against pursuing both a trade deal and the reset, with David Henig, of the European Centre For International Political Economy, telling the braodsheet: “Anything that the UK does with the US may be seen badly by other countries, including in the EU, and anything that the UK does with other countries may be seen badly by the US. It’s very difficult to navigate this situation.”
A Government spokesman said: “A closer, more cooperative relationship with the EU will improve the British people’s security, safety and prosperity.
“We will act in Britain’s national interest and we have been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market. We will not provide a running commentary on talks.”
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Lib Dems BLAST loss of community policing in rural areas
Sir Ed Davey has blasted “an utter disgrace” over the loss of community policing in rural communities.
The Liberal Democrats have proposed their plans for a “Countryside Copper Guarantee” which would see dedicated rural crime teams or specialists embedded in every police force – including a dedicated rural crime police lead for communities to report rural crimes to.
It comes as GB News spoke to politicians, farmers and countryside experts about the soaring crime rate across rural Britain.
Davey said: “For too long, our countryside has been plagued by rural crime, from hare coursing to livestock theft.
“To have so few officers dedicated to tackling this issue is an utter disgrace. The loss of community policing can be felt in communities up and down the country, but the situation is particularly stark in rural areas. The needs of these communities cannot be ignored for any longer.
“Liberal Democrats are clear that the scourge of rural crime needs to be taken seriously – which is why the Government must implement our Countryside Copper Guarantee and finally give our rural communities the support they deserve.”
WATCH: Martin Daubney BLASTS ‘another day in clown world’ as migrant crisis hits new record
GB News host Martin Daubney has expressed his disbelief at the latest record-breaking migrant Channel crossings, describing it as “another day in clown world.”
The presenter made the comments after the People’s Channel exclusively revealed that today has seen the highest number of small boat arrivals this year.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Reeves says there is ‘more to be done’ as UK inflation falls unexpectedly
UK inflation dropped to 2.6 per cent in March, according to official figures released today in a steeper fall than forecast and the lowest rate since July 2021.
Reacting to today’s news, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices, and positive growth figures are encouraging signs that our plan for change is working, but there is more to be done.
“I know many families are still struggling with the cost of living and this is an anxious time because of a changing world.
“That is why the Government has boosted pay for three million people by increasing the minimum wage, frozen fuel duty and begun rolling out free breakfast clubs in primary schools.”
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Reynolds to head to Beijing as trade deal conflict rumbles on
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds during a visit to the British Steel site in Scunthorpe
PA
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to travel to Beijing in an attempt to resuscitate a key trade dialogue with China.
It comes as Reynolds had previously said it had been naive to allow Chinese investment in sensitive sectors, reports The Guardian.
The MP for Stalybridge and Hyde is scheduled to travel to China later this year for high-level talks in an effort to boost bilateral trade and investment.