A senior cabinet minister has cast doubt on whether Britain will secure a trade deal with the US amid mounting concern that Donald Trump’s tariffs will lead to job losses.
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said that while an agreement was possible, “I don’t think it’s certain”. He said that the government would not rush into an agreement.
Ministers hope to secure a deal with the US by May 19, when Sir Keir Starmer hosts European leaders for a Lancaster House summit at which the UK will sign an agreement with Brussels on trade, agriculture, security and fishing.
President Trump meets with BStarmer in the Oval Office in February
JIM WATSON/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
There are concerns that if a deal with the US is not reached by then, Trump could take offence at the UK’s move
