Downing Street has welcomed Donald Trump’s pledge to work to secure a rapid trade agreement with Britain.
In an interview with ‘The Times’ and German newspaper ‘Bild’, the US president-elect said he would be inviting British Prime Minister Theresa May for early talks in Washington following his inauguration on Friday and predicted that leaving the European Union would be a « great thing » for the UK.
In contrast to Barack Obama, who said Britain would be at the « back of the queue » when it came to a trade deal with the US, Mr Trump made clear it would be a priority for his administration.
« We’re going to work hard to get it done quickly and done properly. Good for both sides, » he said. « I will be meeting with (Mrs May). She’s requesting a meeting and we’ll have a meeting right after I get into the White House. I think we’re going to get something done very quickly. »
Responding to the comments, Mrs May’s official spokeswoman said: « We welcome the commitment from the president-elect to engage with the UK on this, to work together to agree a deal quickly.
« That highlights one of the opportunities of the UK leaving the EU. »
The spokeswoman said Mrs May’s expected visit to Washington in the spring would provide an opportunity for « early discussions » on a UK-US trade deal.
She said it would be possible to hold « scoping discussions » before Brexit takes place on possible measures to bring down barriers to UK-US trade.
« We welcome the enthusiasm and energy the president-elect and his team are showing for engaging with the UK, » she said.
Former UK cabinet minister Michael Gove interviewed the controversial tycoon, and afterwards said Britain has a « special place » in Mr Trump’s heart.
Mr Trump’s « aggressive » public persona is at odds with his warmer private side, Mr Gove said.
