EXC: UK-US trade deal talks have been postponed indefinitely.
Were to begin w/c March 23 but delayed (rightly for obvious reasons).
Creates fresh doubt about getting deal before US election. Video conf negotiations now being considered. telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/0…
Were to begin w/c March 23 but delayed (rightly for obvious reasons).
Creates fresh doubt about getting deal before US election. Video conf negotiations now being considered. telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/0…
Liz Truss and a team of negotiators were due to fly out to Washington at that time.
Around 100 politicians/officials were to spend days finally starting talks (after years of wait - UK had to be out of EU).
But, of course, lockdowns and full focus on Covid-19 meant delaying.
Around 100 politicians/officials were to spend days finally starting talks (after years of wait - UK had to be out of EU).
But, of course, lockdowns and full focus on Covid-19 meant delaying.
There remains political will on both sides to start talks as soon as appropriate. And there is no one to blame here - just the reality of the situation.
But that reality is this - no new date for talks to begin. Maybe weeks, maybe months, who knows.
Which enhances a problem...
But that reality is this - no new date for talks to begin. Maybe weeks, maybe months, who knows.
Which enhances a problem...
As long as I’ve been out here the aim has been to get a trade deal in Trump’s first term.
He’s an out and out Brexiteer, promising a “great” deal to help our path out of the EU.
Why gamble and wait for a second term which may or may not come, goes the thinking.
He’s an out and out Brexiteer, promising a “great” deal to help our path out of the EU.
Why gamble and wait for a second term which may or may not come, goes the thinking.
The start of talks were pushed back and back with May’s Brexit delays. Now, through no-one’s fault, covid has pushed it back again.
But Nov 3 remains the election date. In less than 7 months, Trump could be voted out of office (leaving a Brexiteer-shaped hole in the White House)
But Nov 3 remains the election date. In less than 7 months, Trump could be voted out of office (leaving a Brexiteer-shaped hole in the White House)
If the Democrats regain the White House no guarantee they’ll be as pro a trade deal.
Biden’s position on talks little known. Plus he will have other priorities.
Nancy Pelosi (House Speaker) has been lukewarm on talks, saying no deal if Northern Irish peace undermined.
Biden’s position on talks little known. Plus he will have other priorities.
Nancy Pelosi (House Speaker) has been lukewarm on talks, saying no deal if Northern Irish peace undermined.
Plus - a little technical, but the president loses power to negotiate trade deals in summer 2021.
Officially that power resides with Congress. Would need to hand it over again to whoever is pres.
With Congress currently split (Dems hold House, GOP holds Senate) delays likely.
Officially that power resides with Congress. Would need to hand it over again to whoever is pres.
With Congress currently split (Dems hold House, GOP holds Senate) delays likely.
All that is a long way of saying UK really wants a deal before election.
Which is why we’re now looking at doing virtual negotiating. Is possible (though likely less efficient).
But it doesn’t get round the central problem...
Which is why we’re now looking at doing virtual negotiating. Is possible (though likely less efficient).
But it doesn’t get round the central problem...
What’s holding back talks isn’t just travel restrictions but bandwidth.
US and UK governments are both locked in crisis mode, tackling not just a deadly pandemic but a likely global recession. Lot of pressing trade issues.
Until emergency mode ends talks unlikely to restart.
US and UK governments are both locked in crisis mode, tackling not just a deadly pandemic but a likely global recession. Lot of pressing trade issues.
Until emergency mode ends talks unlikely to restart.
One glimmer of hope perhaps - the downturn coming offers a new incentive to quickly strike a deal (which has always been about lowering barriers to trade, creating new biz opportunities, thereby helping growth.)
As said above, the political will is there. Perhaps a speedy deal can be done (though how deep?)
UK government source tonight: “Both sides are keen to ensure trade talks between the UK and US progress ASAP. Free trade is integral to global recovery from this crisis.”
UK government source tonight: “Both sides are keen to ensure trade talks between the UK and US progress ASAP. Free trade is integral to global recovery from this crisis.”
But the bottom line is this -
Britain has 208 days to get a trade deal from Trump before his election and nobody knows when, where, how talks will start.
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Britain has 208 days to get a trade deal from Trump before his election and nobody knows when, where, how talks will start.
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