Trump dangles very big trade deal in front of Brexit Britain

By Jeff Mason and William James

 

U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrive for a bilateral meeting during the G7 summit in Biarritz, France, August 25, 2019. Erin Schaff/Pool via REUTERS

 

BIARRITZ, France (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said he and President Donald Trump were "gung-ho" about a post-Brexit trade deal but cautioned the United States would be tough negotiators and that he would not rush talks.

 

Trump promised a big trade deal for Britain after it leaves the European Union, which he said had been a drag on Britain's ability to cut a good deal.

Facing a delicate task of assuaging European allies while not angering Trump at a G7 summit in France, Johnson said there were huge opportunities for British businesses in the U.S. market, but hinted at differences between the two sides on the scope of a deal.

 

U.S. PresIdent Donald Trump said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the right man to take the UK out of the European Union, as he promised his counterpart a major trade deal. Rough cut (no reporter narration)

Johnson is making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to convince EU leaders to renegotiate the UK's exit from the bloc.

He faces a delicate task of trying to keep his European allies on side whilst not angering Trump at the three-day Group of Seven summit in Biarritz, France.

With less than three months until an Oct. 31 deadline, it is still totally unclear, how, when or even whether Britain will leave the EU.

The uncertainty around Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant political and economic post-war move, has left allies and investors aghast and roiled markets.

 

Moreover, he added, Washington would have to relax some "protectionist" policies.

 

"They want to do it within a year, I'd love to do it within a year, but that's a very fast timetable," he told Sky News.

 

Earlier, before the two leaders began a trade-focused bilateral meeting, Trump said he was looking forward to discussing big numbers with Johnson.

 

"We're going to do a very big trade deal - bigger than we've ever had with the UK," Trump said. "At some point, they won't have the obstacle of - they won't have the anchor around their ankle, because that's what they had."

 

BREXIT UNCERTAINTY

With less than three months until an Oct. 31 deadline, it is still unclear, how, when or even whether Britain will leave the EU. The uncertainty around Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant political and economic post-war move, has left allies and investors aghast and roiled markets.

 

Britain has yet to agree any kind of exit deal to smooth the divorce between the world's fifth largest economy and its biggest trading partner, raising fears of shortages and widespread disruption.

 

However, Johnson said meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron last week had helped his case for a better exit deal. There was a "dawning realisation" in Brussels that Britain's objections to the existing deal were implacable.

 

"I think it's going to be touch and go but the important thing is to get ready to come out without a deal," he told the BBC.

 

Opponents fear Brexit will make Britain poorer and divide the West as it grapples with both Trump's unconventional presidency and growing assertiveness from Russia and China.

 

Supporters acknowledge the divorce might bring short-term instability, but say in the longer term it will allow the United Kingdom to thrive if cut free from what they cast as a doomed attempt to forge European unity.

 

Johnson also met European Council head Donald Tusk, who on Saturday said Johnson would go down as "Mr No-Deal" if he took Britain out of the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

 

A British official said Johnson told Tusk that Britain would be leaving the EU on Oct. 31 whatever the circumstances.

 

Sky News reported that Johnson would tell Tusk Britain would only pay 9 billion pounds ($11 billion) instead of the 39 billion pound liability agreed by former prime minister Theresa May under a no-deal Brexit.

 

Asked about the report, Johnson said: "If we come out without an agreement it is certainly true that the 39 billion is no longer, strictly speaking, owed."

 

TRADE DIFFERENCES

Trump and Johnson were in the French seaside resort of Biarritz for a summit of G7 industrialised nations where sharp differences have emerged over trade protectionism and an array of issues including Iran and North Korea.

 

On his arrival on Saturday, Johnson said of the escalating U.S.-China trade war that he was "very worried" about the growth of protectionism. Those who "supported tariffs risked incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy", he said.

 

Sitting opposite Trump on Sunday, Johnson praised the performance of the U.S. economy before adding: "But just to register a faint, sheep-like note of our view on the trade war - we are in favour of trade peace on the whole."

 

London's preference is for a comprehensive free trade deal with the United States post Brexit, UK government officials say, while some U.S. officials including Trump's national security adviser John Bolton have talked of a sector-by-sector approach.

 

As Johnson said London and Washington would do a "fantastic deal", Trump interrupted to say: "lots of fantastic mini-deals, we're talking about many different deals but we're having a good time."

 

(Writing by Richard Lough, Editing by William Maclean)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-08-26

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KFC Kentucky fried chorine Corbyn will say and quantify short term as its been 3+ years in the making already ????

58 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

KFC Kentucky fried chorine Corbyn will say and quantify short term as its been 3+ years in the making already ????

You not sober yet sammie?

Trump dangles his prodigious nutsack more like.

Don’t trust Donald would be my advice 

Waiting for all the Europhiles who will no doubt ridicule and potential trade deal with the US/UK. I am sure the usual obscenities of Trump and Johnson will come.

 

It just shows how desperate they are and jealous of the UK being successful outside of the EU.

13 minutes ago, Tug said:

Don’t trust Donald would be my advice 

Noted ????

14 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Waiting for all the Europhiles who will no doubt ridicule and potential trade deal with the US/UK. I am sure the usual obscenities of Trump and Johnson will come.

 

It just shows how desperate they are and jealous of the UK being successful outside of the EU.

Please stop the spiteful posts. Why does a big part of your posts refer to those nasty brexiteers that only wish bad things on the UK?

Please stop the spiteful posts. Why does a big part of your posts refer to those nasty brexiteers that only wish bad things on the UK?

Perhaps he only has a hammer in his tool box.


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10 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Please stop the spiteful posts. Why does a big part of your posts refer to those nasty brexiteers that only wish bad things on the UK?

Seriously, there is nothing more spiteful than having to read how much the English are 'hated' by some eumainers, even though it was a UK referendum, do you ever read the posts of your fellow countrymen?

I was given to understand that no matter what the President of the USA promises Trade deals are a matter for Congress and Nancy Pelosi has made it clear that anything that spoils the Good Friday Agreement on Ireland will not pass.

 

john 

14 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Waiting for all the Europhiles who will no doubt ridicule and potential trade deal with the US/UK. I am sure the usual obscenities of Trump and Johnson will come.

 

It just shows how desperate they are and jealous of the UK being successful outside of the EU.

Supporters acknowledge the divorce might bring short-term instability, but say in the longer term it will allow the United Kingdom to thrive.

 

To the nearest decade when could one expect this thriving to take place and ultimately who will end up with the biggest offshore pot ???? 

6 minutes ago, vogie said:

Seriously, there is nothing more spiteful than having to read how much the English are 'hated' by some eumainers, even though it was a UK referendum, do you ever read the posts of your fellow countrymen?

As I said, I don't hate them, and neither do I see hate for the English in other posters. Just a big 'WHY, why are you shooting yourselves in the foot, and insist on keep doing so?'.

But on the topic of hating the English,

 

The overpaid MEPs hate the UK for leaving because it brings potential instability to the eurozone, if UK leave and they prosper, other countries will almost certainly want to leave. And if the UK can get out without paying the 39 billion charge, that will no doubt spur Italy on to do the same, then maybe more will follow, then after that, the EU comes crashing down and they lose their cushy little jobs with expensive hotels, wine and meals all on expense accounts. They'd love to prevent the UK from leaving, but they now know that won't happen, so what's the next best thing? Try and screw the UK for as much money as possible as punishment. If Boris gets the UK out of the EU without paying that ludicrous sum, it will be two fingers up to the EU, they'll be furious. I hope he can do it.

Edited August 26, 20196 yr by SteveK

13 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Supporters acknowledge the divorce might bring short-term instability, but say in the longer term it will allow the United Kingdom to thrive.

 

To the nearest decade when could one expect this thriving to take place and ultimately who will end up with the biggest offshore pot ???? 

Not in my life time...

59 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Waiting for all the Europhiles who will no doubt ridicule and potential trade deal with the US/UK. I am sure the usual obscenities of Trump and Johnson will come.

 

It just shows how desperate they are and jealous of the UK being successful outside of the EU.

 

32 minutes ago, jonwilly said:

I was given to understand that no matter what the President of the USA promises Trade deals are a matter for Congress and Nancy Pelosi has made it clear that anything that spoils the Good Friday Agreement on Ireland will not pass.

 

john 

Aside from the fact that Trump may not keep his word, Boris should also understand that Trump's days are numbered.  Nevermind the Democrats and the General Election, Trump may just get primaried by his own party....

 

["I'm running because he's unfit; somebody needs to step up and there needs to be an alternative. The country is sick of this guy's tantrum -- he's a child," Walsh said.]

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/exclusive-joe-walsh-announces-gop-primary-challenge-against-trump/ar-AAGja99?ocid=wispr

 

5 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

Aside from the fact that Trump may not keep his word, Boris should also understand that Trump's days are numbered.  Nevermind the Democrats and the General Election, Trump may just get primaried by his own party....

 

["I'm running because he's unfit; somebody needs to step up and there needs to be an alternative. The country is sick of this guy's tantrum -- he's a child," Walsh said.]

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/exclusive-joe-walsh-announces-gop-primary-challenge-against-trump/ar-AAGja99?ocid=wispr

 

Just bluster. When push comes to shoe the GOP will unite behind Trump, simply because they're afraid.

 

I hope I'm wrong though.

28 minutes ago, stevenl said:

As I said, I don't hate them, and neither do I see hate for the English in other posters. Just a big 'WHY, why are you shooting yourselves in the foot, and insist on keep doing so?'.

But on the topic of hating the English,

 

I did not say you hated the English, what I said is that there are many on here that do hate us, and for what, it all boils down to having a different opinion to some eumainers.

Just because you choose to use the expression of "shooting yourself in the foot" it does not make it so. Basically you are saying that you know more than over half of the United Kingdom, that would be a tad arrogant in many eyes.

I could give you the names of the main Anglophobes on here, and trust me there are quite a few, but I think I might be breaking forum etiquette by doing so. It is not a nice feeling to be told you are hated by people that think differently to ourselves, especially when it all boils down to sour grapes.

3 minutes ago, vogie said:

I did not say you hated the English, what I said is that there are many on here that do hate us, and for what, it all boils down to having a different opinion to some eumainers.

Just because you choose to use the expression of "shooting yourself in the foot" it does not make it so. Basically you are saying that you know more than over half of the United Kingdom, that would be a tad arrogant in many eyes.

I could give you the names of the main Anglophobes on here, and trust me there are quite a few, but I think I might be breaking forum etiquette by doing so. It is not a nice feeling to be told you are hated by people that think differently to ourselves, especially when it all boils down to sour grapes.

A real pity you go back to the same nonsense: "be told you are hated by people that think differently to ourselves, especially when it all boils down to sour grapes". Both claims are incorrect. But that is enough for me about this.

6 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Just bluster. When push comes to shoe the GOP will unite behind Trump, simply because they're afraid.

 

I hope I'm wrong though.

Oh I know it's a long shot.  Walsh knows it as well.  But to have a Republican trashing Trump over the next few months....should be entertaining. 

1 hour ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Waiting for all the Europhiles who will no doubt ridicule and potential trade deal with the US/UK. I am sure the usual obscenities of Trump and Johnson will come.

 

It just shows how desperate they are and jealous of the UK being successful outside of the EU.

Please look at the how the EU works.

And please look at what Trump did in the last years.

And then think for about a second why you think Trump will give the UK a good deal?

In Trumps definition a good deal is where he wins and he doesn't give a f*@$ about the other party.

And look at the size of the UK, EU and USA and think about how that matters.

31 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

Oh I know it's a long shot.  Walsh knows it as well.  But to have a Republican trashing Trump over the next few months....should be entertaining. 

I am not from the US and unlike many on here, do not get into other countries democratic politics. But what happens if (and when IMHO) Donald Trump gets in for a second term. More ridiculous crying, stamping feet and photo shopping face pictures onto figures with scripture. Or will you just accept that he was democratically elected.

3 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

I am not from the US and unlike many on here, do not get into other countries democratic politics. But what happens if (and when IMHO) Donald Trump gets in for a second term. More ridiculous crying, stamping feet and photo shopping face pictures onto figures with scripture. Or will you just accept that he was democratically elected.

So you're suggesting that we cannot criticize our elected leaders?  That doesn't sound very democratic. 

6 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

I am not from the US and unlike many on here, do not get into other countries democratic politics. But what happens if (and when IMHO) Donald Trump gets in for a second term. More ridiculous crying, stamping feet and photo shopping face pictures onto figures with scripture. Or will you just accept that he was democratically elected.

So how did you treat TM here on the forum?

2 hours ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Waiting for all the Europhiles who will no doubt ridicule and potential trade deal with the US/UK. I am sure the usual obscenities of Trump and Johnson will come.

 

It just shows how desperate they are and jealous of the UK being successful outside of the EU.

You might have missed it but the UK is still a member of the EU.

1 hour ago, Victornoir said:

Trump has a lot of flaws but he's not stupid.

Uh, yes he is. That is in fact one of his biggliest flaws.

35 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Please look at the how the EU works.

And please look at what Trump did in the last years.

And then think for about a second why you think Trump will give the UK a good deal?

In Trumps definition a good deal is where he wins and he doesn't give a f*@$ about the other party.

And look at the size of the UK, EU and USA and think about how that matters.

Well we have to see wont we but I believe the UK and US have always had a good relationship, much better than we have ever had with the EU in my opinion.

 

I am not a fan of Trump as he certainly lacks class but trade deals with the UK benefit both countries.

2 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Well we have to see wont we but I believe the UK and US have always had a good relationship, much better than we have ever had with the EU in my opinion.

 

I am not a fan of Trump as he certainly lacks class but trade deals with the UK benefit both countries.

"No nation has friends only interests." Charles de Gaulle
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/charles_de_gaulle_379735

17 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

So you're suggesting that we cannot criticize our elected leaders?  That doesn't sound very democratic. 

So where am I suggesting that we can't criticise our elected leaders. You are making it up.

 

Many posters on here have done nothing but criticise from the day Trump was elected. As I stated I don't get into the US and its politics.

 

The crying rooms still makes me howl with laughter though, that adults need rooms to cry in because they lost in an election.