The Prime Minister is preparing to sign a joint declaration with the European Union backing “free and open trade” — a move seen by many as a major reset in UK-EU relations and, perhaps more controversially, a quiet dig at the US President’s decision to slap tariffs across a range of imports.
The draft statement talks about forming a “new strategic partnership” with Brussels, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to global economic stability and fair trade. It’s a shift in tone that hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially given the timing, just as Washington’s protectionist policies are rattling markets and allies alike, reported the Guardian.
According to Politico, the declaration reads: “We confirmed our shared principles of maintaining global economic stability and our mutual commitment to free and open trade.” In the current climate, that sounds a lot like a subtle swipe at Trump’s tariff-heavy approach.
But Downing Street insists that’s not the case. A Cabinet Office spokesperson dismissed any suggestion of a diplomatic snub, saying: “The Government rejects the premise that it must choose between our European and American allies.” Still, there’s no denying that the UK’s tone is shifting — and fast.
Labour appears keen to steer the country into calmer waters post-Brexit, with signs pointing to a thawing relationship with the EU. It’s part of what many are calling a “relations reset,” as the government starts building bridges that were once burned.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister leading the UK’s EU negotiations, met with Maros Sefcovic, one of the EU’s top officials, alongside Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in London ahead of a major summit in May. The discussions, according to Sefcovic, were “a productive exchange on securing balanced trade relationships.”
He added: “We discussed the state of international trade and the road ahead.” That “road ahead” could mean a lot more collaboration between the UK and EU than we’ve seen in recent years.
While the government maintains that it’s still firmly committed to its relationship with the US, this latest move signals a pivot back towards European cooperation, one that comes just as America’s trade moves are shaking things up. Whether or not this ends up causing friction with Washington, one thing’s certain: Britain’s trade stance is changing, and it’s doing so with Brussels back in the frame.
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