Rachel Reeves says that Britain’s trade relations with the European Union are “more important” than us

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Rachel Reeves has announced that Britain’s trading relationship with Europe “can be said to be more important” than the United States’ relationship, as it sought to convert Britain’s concentration away from its trade dispute with the Trump administration to a decisive summit with the European Union.

The counselor pays for ambition “Reset” From relations with the European Union, including opening a travel scheme for youth and harmonizing the UK with Brussels bases in an attempt to reduce the barriers that prevent trade.

“I understand why there is a lot of focus on our trade relationship with the United States, but in reality it can be said that our trade relationship with Europe is more important,” she told the BBC.

“It is extremely important to rebuild these trade relations with our closest neighbors in Europe, and we will do so well for British jobs and British consumers.”

Sir Kerr Starmer insisted that he would not “choose” between Europe and America because he is trying to balance the main global relations in the United Kingdom.

Refiz It is scheduled to discuss commercial issues with Scott Bessant, its American counterpart, in Washington on Friday, where the two countries are moving towards concluding a possible commercial deal.

On Friday, Downing Street tried to clarify Reeves’s comments, which Kraise Donald Trump realizes to the European Union, who claimed to have been prepared for the United States “Berhamic”.

“The European Union is our biggest commercial partner,” said No. 10. “

The United States accounted for 21.2 percent of British exports in 2023, compared to 41.2 per cent of the European Union, according to UK government figures.

Reeves in Washington explained this week that it is open British definitions cut On American goods – including cars and agricultural products – to help secure a deal.

But it is also pressing for an ambitious agreement with the European Union, including creating a visa plan for young people to enhance travel and align with the rules of the European Union in areas such as agriculture to reduce commercial barriers.

REEVES and Starmer also want to negotiate more mutual appreciation for professional qualifications, improve access to the European Music Union British tours and new energy partnership.

The Downing Street softens public opinion to include a visa planning for youth-who was said by the critics who said raw, to a form of freedom of movement-to be included in the statement that will be issued after the European Union summit on May 19 in London.

Starmer’s spokesman refused to exclude such a scheme, although he ruled out a return to freedom of movement. “We will not be defined through discussions and arguments about the past,” he said, adding that the details will be failing for several months of negotiation.

“It is clear that the Prime Minister will take any opportunity to improve the lives of employees in the United Kingdom, and to push growth and maintain the safety of people,” Downg Street added.

European Union diplomats speak in glowing about the 45 -minute Starmer meeting with Ursula von der Lin, President of the European Commission, on Thursday, which was discussed.

One of the diplomats who looked at the meeting said: “Distinguished warmth, great body language, the true pleasure of being together, a complete alignment of intentions.” “I think everything is gaining momentum.”

The May 19 Summit will witness a new European Union Defense and Security Agreement in the European Union and will be accompanied by an environment that defines areas for more negotiation later in the year.

People who have seen the plan say that there will be a “package” of measures to be negotiated, including the movement of young people, food trade, energy, professional qualifications, and music arrangements.

Both sides expect the current fishing deal to be offered between Britain and the European Union, to be renewed next year – perhaps for two other years – in order to leave France and other coastal states.

May 19 is seen by both sides as a “starting point” to stom the details of the package, including the chart structure of the youth transportation and future fish shares, with many of the bares that must be made along the way.

Meanwhile, Tom Bradchu, President of the National Farmers Union, said that the United Kingdom cannot offer access to the European Union market for an American trade deal.

“If you look at the financial value of the European Union deal, food exports to the European Union are six or seven times what food exports to the United States deserve,” he told the Financial Times.

Bradcho said he had received assurances from the government that it would not sacrifice the standards of animal and well -being for an agreement with the United States – echoing something that Reevz publicly said earlier this week.

“The continuous negotiation of the European Union helps us to do so,” he said. “Because I think they are very concerned about the danger that any American trade deal can bring to the possibility of access to the European Union and the SPS (veterinary) agreement.”