Britain should align its trade priorities with the United States rather than the European Union's "socialist model," according to Stephen Moore, a senior economic adviser to Donald Trump. Moore's comments come as the former president-elect considers policies that could include sweeping tariffs, potentially sparking global trade tensions and significantly impacting the UK economy.  

 

 

Moore, speaking from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, suggested the US would be "less interested" in pursuing a free trade agreement with Britain if it moves toward closer alignment with the EU. "I’ve always said that Britain has to decide — do you want to go towards the European socialist model or do you want to go towards the US free market? Lately, it seems like they are shifting more in a European model, and so if that’s the case, I think we’d be less interested in having [a free trade deal]," he stated.  

 

 

The UK’s trade relationship with the EU remains a critical issue. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has prioritized negotiating closer ties with Brussels, aiming to bolster economic growth. Similarly, Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, recently emphasized the need to rebuild trade relations with the EU, arguing that Brexit had weighed on the UK economy. Labour has proposed easing post-Brexit checks on goods crossing the Channel and securing EU recognition of UK professional qualifications.  

 

Moore noted that Trump’s proposed tariffs — as high as 20% on imports generally and up to 60% on goods from China — reflect his mandate to revitalize American manufacturing and create jobs. While tariffs could trigger a global trade war, Moore argued they might also "shift production more to domestic" industries, stating, "I’m a free trader, but the public agrees with Trump, and so I think we will see tariffs." Trump himself recently declared that “tariffs” were “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.”  

 

The potential implications for Britain are substantial. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research has estimated that Trump’s tariff policies could halve the UK’s GDP growth, creating a £21.5 billion shortfall in the country’s tax and spending plans while driving inflation up by 3 to 4 percentage points. While the EU has prepared retaliatory tariffs targeting iconic American goods like Levi’s jeans and Harley Davidson motorcycles, the UK is unlikely to follow suit, fearing escalation. Instead, ministers are reportedly seeking a carve-out from US tariffs.  

 

A free trade deal between the US and UK remains a contentious issue. Boris Johnson’s government previously pursued such an agreement during Trump’s administration, but talks stalled over disputes regarding American agricultural standards. Current Labour leadership, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has ruled out allowing imports of chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-treated beef, emphasizing, "We are not going to allow British farmers to be undercut by different rules and regulations in other countries."  

 

Moore, who has warmed to Trump’s protectionist rhetoric, explained the strategy: "What he’s talking about is using — he put it very well — raising taxes on things made in China, Mexico, and Europe but lowering taxes on things made here." He acknowledged concerns about trade wars but echoed Trump’s sentiment that such conflicts already exist in practice.  

 

Lord Mandelson, a contender for the role of British ambassador to Washington, has advocated for a pragmatic approach. He suggested the UK pursue a limited agreement focusing on digital services and technology. Meanwhile, Lord Darroch, a former British ambassador to the US, predicted that Trump would act decisively on tariffs, leveraging them to demand concessions from trading partners.  

 

As the UK navigates its post-Brexit trade strategy, the choice between closer ties with the EU or the US looms large, with significant economic and political consequences tied to either path.

 

Based on a report by the Times and Sunday Times 2024-11-18

 

 

 

Free trade my ass! Upcoming tariffs are not indicators of free trade. What complete cobblers. And depicting the EU as socialist! Such deep seated ignorance. This rhetoric has been going on ever since Trump's first administration. Lefties, socialists, liberals. The right wing creep. Profound American ignorance. Let's see how Trump deals with Putin, Iran, Xi and Kim.

The Brexit mistake is becoming ever more apparent and the lie of 'the special relationship' is being laid wide open. The UK is historically and geographically European, we shouldn't be a poodle to 'the ugly American'. Seems Trump wants tariffs with just about everyone which shows how weak it's employment figures are and how precarious its economy is, history shows that tariffs don't work, you can't beat the market. Tariffs stop innovation in ones own industry and you fall behind your competitors who modernize to become more efficient, a point in question here is the inefficient American steel industry compared to Europe, China and Japan.

36 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

The Brexit mistake is becoming ever more apparent and the lie of 'the special relationship' is being laid wide open.

Yeah, like Germany and France are pillars of virtue now, both in political chaos, both finding it hard to form governments and mass immigration killing both of  them, hunting down jews in France hardly seems normal to me.

 

EU is finished, its in its death throws. Only people wanting it are the people getting rich off it.

 

Problem UK has is Liebour - destroying the country as per usual

It's pretty obvious what they UK should do.

But then, that was also pretty obvious in 2016 before they voted the other way.

What Donald seems to forget, Asia is a much bigger marked than Usa, 

 

We got goods Asia wants, they got goods we want! 

 

Donald only shoot himself in the leg the way he think he can dictate the world

28 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Yeah, like Germany and France are pillars of virtue now, both in political chaos, both finding it hard to form governments and mass immigration killing both of  them, hunting down jews in France hardly seems normal to me.

 

EU is finished, its in its death throws. Only people wanting it are the people getting rich off it.

 

Problem UK has is Liebour - destroying the country as per usual

The EU has been prophesied to fail along with the Euro since their inception and yet here they are, still a power to be reckoned with, it would be difficult to name an innovation that hasn't come from Europe (that includes the UK). Unfortunately the UK hasn't yet managed to shake of the mystic of Empire and glory, now alone it is insignificant, not knowing which coat tail to hang on to, America or Europe, before Trump they tried to hang on to both, that wont work anymore. Even the governor of the Bank of England has said that Brexit has significantly damaged the British economy.  

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by soalbundy

1 hour ago, soalbundy said:

The UK is historically and geographically European

 

Historically, 

England is the traditional enemy of European countries.

While America is the child of England.

 

As for the current United Europe under German rule, didn't we have 2 world wars to stop that?

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by BritManToo

When the UK left the EU it placed itself at the whim of the U.S.

 

The only reason for any weight being given to statements from Washington  about how the UK economy should  operate is because Washington has the UK in the very corner the UK put itself.

 

MAGA is not about doing anything at all favorable for UK unless it directly benefits the US or more precisely the interests Trump represents.

 

Prepare to be shafted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

 

Historically, 

England is the traditional enemy of European countries.

While America is the child of England.

 

As for the current United Europe under German rule, didn't we have 2 world wars to stop that?

Wrong on both counts, pure 'by jingoism'

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

 

Historically, 

England is the traditional enemy of European countries.

While America is the child of England.

 

As for the current United Europe under German rule, didn't we have 2 world wars to stop that?

Delusional nonsense.

 

 

Donald is bang on the money again.

 

The EU is a sinking ship and we got off at the right time. We need to distance ourselves from it and join forces with the US under Trump.

 

The EU is in chaos and it will only get worse. Especially if they continue the lawfare and shenanighans against right wing parties and embracing "Diversity/Immigration". 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

 

Historically, 

England is the traditional enemy of European countries.

While America is the child of England.

 

As for the current United Europe under German rule, didn't we have 2 world wars to stop that?

You think EU is a dictatorship?? 

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

You think EU is a dictatorship?? 

 All states are equal, although Germany seems a bit more equal than anyone else. 

 

But back on topic, if I were forced to choose a master, I'd choose the USA in preference to the EU. (not bothered about which ruler currently in power) 

 

Obviously I'd never get a vote, admittedly being one of those selfish people not worthy of voting.

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by BritManToo

3 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Yeah, like Germany and France are pillars of virtue now, both in political chaos, both finding it hard to form governments and mass immigration killing both of  them, hunting down jews in France hardly seems normal to me.

 

EU is finished, its in its death throws. Only people wanting it are the people getting rich off it.

 

Problem UK has is Liebour - destroying the country as per usual

Libor?

One personal attack removed.

3 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Donald is bang on the money again.

 

The EU is a sinking ship and we got off at the right time. We need to distance ourselves from it and join forces with the US under Trump.

 

The EU is in chaos and it will only get worse. Especially if they continue the lawfare and shenanighans against right wing parties and embracing "Diversity/Immigration". 

 

I thought one of the major reasons for leaving the EU was this imo misplaced idea that the UK could become sovereign (in its'  own right) i.e. being able to make our own laws and set our own agenda without worrying about what anyone else thought or did?

 

Mr. Moore and you seem to be in favour of simply exchanging Brussels for Washington. Where's the sovereignty in that?

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by RayC
Addition

9 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

I thought one of the major reasons for leaving the EU was this imo misplaced idea that the UK could become sovereign (in its'  own right) i.e. being able to make our own laws and set our own agenda without worrying about what anyone else thought or did?

 

Mr. Moore and you seem to be in favour of simply exchanging Brussels for Washington. Where's the sovereignty in that?

 

A trade deal with the US will suffice. Nobody is talking about becoming the 51st state. 

5 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

trade deal with the US will suffice

Who said this? Maybe as a joke!😂

5 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

A trade deal with the US will suffice. Nobody is talking about becoming the 51st state. 

 

Right. That'll be because - just like the EU - the US needs us more than we need them😂

 

Kier just needs to draw up a trade agreement and point out where Don needs to sign and that's it: Job done. The UK will continue to trade with the rest of the world without any interference from Washington. It's a mystery why the previous Tory administrations were unable to implement many trade deals.

 

All the misplaced criticisms you levied about the EU imposing laws - laws which the UK were instrumental in formulating - might well come to pass if the UK enters into a trade deal with the US at the same time as the latter is imposing tariffs elsewhere.

19 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

A trade deal with the US will suffice. Nobody is talking about becoming the 51st state. 

Putting aside Mrs Beeton’s sage advice.

 

I suggest reading the terms of any deal before declaring it ‘will suffice’.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by Chomper Higgot

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Right. That'll be because - just like the EU - the US needs us more than we need them😂

 

Strawman.

 

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Kier just needs to draw up a trade agreement and point out where Don needs to sign and that's it: Job done.

 

Another strawman.

 

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

 

 

The UK will continue to trade with the rest of the world without any interference from Washington. It's a mystery why the previous Tory administrations were unable to implement many trade deals.

 

Not really a mystery. We were in the EU and therefore unable to do so. Remember?

 

We've done plenty since leaving. 

 

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

All the misplaced criticisms you levied about the EU imposing laws - laws which the UK were instrumental in formulating - might well come to pass if the UK enters into a trade deal with the US at the same time as the latter is imposing tariffs elsewhere.

 

Let's wait until Labour are booted out. Starmer and Lammy have destroyed any chance for the next 4 years with their inane insults to Trump. Besides if the rumours I am hearing about the Southport cover-up turn out to be true Starmer won't be there much longer and has far bigger issues to be dealing with. 

23 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Strawman.

 

 

Another strawman.

 

 

Not really a mystery. We were in the EU and therefore unable to do so. Remember?

 

We've done plenty since leaving. 

 

 

Let's wait until Labour are booted out. Starmer and Lammy have destroyed any chance for the next 4 years with their inane insults to Trump. Besides if the rumours I am hearing about the Southport cover-up turn out to be true Starmer won't be there much longer and has far bigger issues to be dealing with. 

 

Refer US / UK election timing.
 

 

Trump will be gone before Labour.

 

10 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Strawman.

 

 

Another strawman.

 

 

Not really a mystery. We were in the EU and therefore unable to do so. Remember?

 

We've done plenty since leaving. 

 

 

Let's wait until Labour are booted out. Starmer and Lammy have destroyed any chance for the next 4 years with their inane insults to Trump. Besides if the rumours I am hearing about the Southport cover-up turn out to be true Starmer won't be there much longer and has far bigger issues to be dealing with. 

 

The argument you employed to reject a premise is now the very same argument you use to support your preferred premise. I'll give you credit for realising your logical inconsistencies, but unfortunately shouting, "Strawman" on the occasions when this arises doesn't hide that inconsistency.

 

As I pointed out, the referendum was over 8 years, and we formally left the EU 5 years ago. Of the major industrialised countries, to date we have signed new trade deals with Australia and NZ and an enhanced deal with Japan, none of whom are among our leading trading partners. You consider that 'plenty'? 

 

What may or may not have happened in Southport, or what may or may not happen to Starmer is tangential to this topic. 

 

The bottom line is the terms of any trade deal which the UK enters into with the US will be dictated by the US. How close that brings the UK to becoming the 51st state is the US's perogative.

5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

 

Historically, 

England is the traditional enemy of European countries.

While America is the child of England.

 

As for the current United Europe under German rule, didn't we have 2 world wars to stop that?

Oh, you mean enemy as in declaring war on Germany in 1939 to honour it's treaty with Czechoslovakia, and to almost get wiped out defending/liberating France and the rest of Europe singlehandedly until the arrival of the US? Even in the 19th century it wasn't anywhere near as simple as your nonsense statement. The Prussians saved the day at Waterloo. Treaties and alliances were made and broken.

 

And your throw away remark about Germany is so out of context. There hasn't been a war in Europe since 1945. The nearest is Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That's why it is/was critical to totally destroy the Russian invasion. Europe doesn't need that kind of crap on its doorstep. And no, there were no nuclear missiles on Putin's doorstep either. So no excuses for his folly. Just a land grab and neutralising potential EU and NATO membership. NATO about to invade Russia? Do me a favour!

2 hours ago, RayC said:

 

The argument you employed to reject a premise is now the very same argument you use to support your preferred premise. I'll give you credit for realising your logical inconsistencies, but unfortunately shouting, "Strawman" on the occasions when this arises doesn't hide that inconsistency.

 

As I pointed out, the referendum was over 8 years, and we formally left the EU 5 years ago. Of the major industrialised countries, to date we have signed new trade deals with Australia and NZ and an enhanced deal with Japan, none of whom are among our leading trading partners. You consider that 'plenty'? 

 

What may or may not have happened in Southport, or what may or may not happen to Starmer is tangential to this topic. 

 

The bottom line is the terms of any trade deal which the UK enters into with the US will be dictated by the US. How close that brings the UK to becoming the 51st state is the US's perogative.

Let’s not carried away, as the 51st State the UK and its citizens would enjoy some rights.

 

Vassal is more likely to be the offering.

15 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Donald is bang on the money again.

 

The EU is a sinking ship and we got off at the right time. We need to distance ourselves from it and join forces with the US under Trump.

 

The EU is in chaos and it will only get worse. Especially if they continue the lawfare and shenanighans against right wing parties and embracing "Diversity/Immigration". 

Absolutely not true. UK was in better shape before 2016.

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn02784/