Boris Johnson has told the UK that he will drive a hard bargain, following plans to negotiate a trade deal with the US.
Last week, Liz Truss welcomed Robert Lighthizer into London – as the two parties looked to sit at the negotiating table to discuss trade formalities.
Since the December election, PM Johnson has made a number of pledges including trade deals outside of Brexit.
The last few weeks have been busy for the British Prime Minister, and certainly a deal with the United States should fall at the top of his priority list.
The newly elected Conservative Government have promised to boost the British economy by almost £3.5 billion, benefit areas such as Scotland, the Midlands and also maintain food standards across the United Kingdom.
There was heavy speculation that the NHS could also be partially sold off, in an attempt to partially privatize the UK Healthcare System, in similar fashion to the US.
However – Johnson has reaffirmed his status saying that the NHS is not for sale, and that the NHS will continue to work in the interest of British people.
“We’re going to drive a hard bargain to boost British industry,” said Mr Johnson.
“Trading Scottish smoked salmon for Stetson hats, we will deliver lower prices and more choice for our shoppers.”
Talks with the US are expected to start this month – however there is more optimism that a post-Brexit deal with the United States can be struck, following the difficulties that Johnson currently faces in Brussels.
The relationship between Johnson and Trump seems to be amicable – Trump is currently embarking on his election campaign and has visited India most recently, whilst looking to capture the American vote to give himself another tenure in office.
Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said: “The government should be focused on getting a good trade deal with the EU – not cosying up to Donald Trump.”
Following sanctions and exports between both nations, it is difficult to speculate which direction these talks could go in.
The US is the UK’s second largest trading partner after the EU, and this is something that PM Johnson will have to bear in mind.
Following the apparent ‘decline’ of the special relationship with the USA, Boris Johnson will have to make sure that he strikes a balance between getting a good deal with the US and not hindering further relations – which could lead to tariffs, embargo and other economic sanctions.