British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his commitment to freedom and open trade, while highlighting the protection of national interests in a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a statement from Downing Street.
Xinhua News Agency reported that the two leaders first discussed ongoing trade negotiations between the UK and the United States.
According to readings at 10 Downing Street, leaders talked about the ongoing “production trade discussion” between the UK and the United States.
Both sides expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.
They also expressed their views on key international issues, including those in Ukraine and Iran, and on recent military actions against Houthis in Yemen.
Their telephone conversation comes after the U.S. government’s decision to impose comprehensive tariffs on countries around the world earlier this month.
Although Trump later introduced a 90-day pause on some tariffs while imposing a 10% benchmark tariff on U.S. imports, including British goods, the British auto industry, and steel and aluminum exports, he still faces a 25% tariff if the related products are sold.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview on Monday there was a “good opportunity” in a trade deal with the UK, adding that Washington is working closely with the UK government.
On Thursday, Trump also hinted in a speech at the White House that he planned to make a state visit to the UK in September.
This is the first conversation between Starmer and Trump since the latter was in the country he called “Liberation Day.”
Prime Minister Rachel Reeves will hold talks with the White House on a trade deal amid talks with the White House next week, a first measure for Britain hopes it can help reduce tariffs.
But Trump said Thursday that he had reached any deal “without rush” due to the revenue generated by his new tariffs.
Trump said many countries want to make a deal “frankly…more than me” and that any agreement will be proposed at some point.
