UK Government Holds Back Comment on Trump’s ‘Comprehensive’ Trade Deal Claim

News Desk
News Desk

London, UK – The British government has refrained from commenting on US President Donald Trump’s assertion that the expected trade deal between the two nations would be “full and comprehensive.” Officials maintained that negotiations are ongoing and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to securing an agreement that aligns with its national interests.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated, “We’ve always been clear that we want to do a deal that’s in the British national interest and support a substantial UK-US trading relationship. Those talks are continuing, and we look forward to providing an update later today.”

At the same time, Downing Street reiterated that the country’s food standards remain a non-negotiable element of any trade discussions. The government emphasized that lowering British food standards remains a “red line” in the ongoing talks.

“We are not going to lower British food standards. That’s something set out in the manifesto,” the spokesperson confirmed.

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Despite previous assurances that imports of chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef would not be permitted, UK farmers remain wary of today’s trade announcement. Many agricultural producers argue that domestic food production should not be undercut by lower-cost imports that do not meet the UK’s animal welfare, environmental, and food safety standards.

Concerns extend beyond poultry and beef. The National Pig Association (NPA) has highlighted the stark differences in acceptable production methods between the US and the UK. A notable issue is the use of sow stalls—narrow crates that restrict pregnant pigs for extended periods—banned in the UK since 1999 but still permitted in the US.

NPA chair Rob Mutimer noted that higher welfare standards in the UK contribute to substantially higher production costs compared to those in the US, exacerbating competition fears among British farmers.

Advocacy groups, including Compassion in World Farming, have echoed calls to uphold UK food production standards. “If a product is too cruel to produce here, it must also be too cruel to import,” the organization stated.

Meanwhile, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Tom Bradshaw urged negotiators to ensure that any trade agreement opening UK markets to US agricultural imports must provide reciprocal opportunities for British farmers exporting to the US.

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Bradshaw warned that a deal merely removing tariffs—particularly those introduced only weeks ago—without additional benefits would be “an unimaginable failure.”

As trade negotiations progress, UK farmers and industry stakeholders remain vigilant, eager to see whether the final agreement preserves the country’s stringent food production standards while fostering equitable market access.

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