Trumped: May warned deal could scupper US trade
Richard Porritt
Donald Trump has warned the UK Theresa May's Brexit deal might rule out a new trade deal with the US Photo: PA / Jack Taylor - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
After a hammering in the Commons, Theresa May's deal was dealt another blow form across the pond.
US president Donald Trump urged the prime minister to 'do something' about the deal to ensure the UK can trade with the US more freely.
In a devastating blow for May, who had hoped for increased trade with the US, Trump said: 'Sounds like a great deal for the EU.
'I think we have to take a look at, seriously, whether or not the UK is allowed to trade.
READ: May set to take on Corbyn in televised Brexit debate
'Because, you know, right now, if you look at the deal, they may not be able to trade with us. And that wouldn't be a good thing.
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'I don't think they meant that.
'I don't think that the prime minister meant that. And, hopefully, she'll be able to do something about that.
'But, right now, as the deal stands she may not, they may not, be able to trade with the US. And, I don't think they want that at all.
'That would be a very big negative for the deal.'
In response to Trump's comments, a Downing Street spokesman said: 'The political declaration we have agreed with the EU is very clear we will have an independent trade policy so that the UK can sign trade deals with countries around the world – including with the US.
'We have already been laying the groundwork for an ambitious agreement with the US through our joint working groups, which have met five times so far.
'The US Trade Representative also issued a call for views from the public on a future UK-US free trade agreement earlier this month.'
It is widely known that the White House has open lines of communications with leading Brexiteers in the UK.
Trump's intervention came as it was confirmed that MPs will vote on May's Brexit deal on December 11 after five days of debate.
The timing gives May a fortnight to avert what threatens to be a humiliating defeat at the hands of scores of Conservative rebels.
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