Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Politics
Joe Watts

Philip Hammond to meet with Donald Trump's administration amid trade row

Chancellor Philip Hammond has travelled to Washington in a bid to boost international trade amid a row over US export tariffs and Brexit divisions at home.

Mr Hammond will meet with key figures in Donald Trump's administration, attend meetings of the IMF, G7 and G20 and a gathering of Commonwealth Finance Ministers.

He will also visit New York to meet with CEOs of US financial sector giants that together have a market capitalisation of almost £600bn.

On Wednesday Mr Hammond clashed with Theresa May over how the Government was spending for a 'no deal' Brexit, meanwhile Conservative ministers are at loggerheads with the US Government over recent tariffs imposed on a major UK manufacturer.

The Chancellor said: "I will be in the US this week to demonstrate that Global Britain is not just a phrase, it is a reality.

"I am looking forward to productive discussions with my international colleagues as we work together to ensure that economic growth works for everyone."

Mr Hammond leaves behind him a party still struggling to agree over the UK's approach to Brexit, with comments made by the Chancellor about how the country is preparing to for a 'no deal' scenario at the heart of the most recent spat.

But the Government's post-Brexit strategy, securing new trade deals with countries like the US, is also under pressure after American officials hit UK-based plane maker Bombardier with 220 per cent tariffs.

Theresa May and Philip Hammond were at loggerheads over planning for a 'no deal' Brexit (Getty)

At the IMF, G7 and G20 Mr Hammond will meet with fellow finance ministers and central bankers to discuss challenges like global productivity, digital taxation and climate sustainability.

It is the first time a Chancellor has attended the Commonwealth Finance Minister for seven years, where he will set out the Government’s ambitions for next year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.

A key topic of discussion will be climate sustainability in light of the recent hurricanes that have devastated the Caribbean and affected many thousands of citizens of Commonwealth countries.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.