Vice-president JD Vance has expressed optimism that the United States can negotiate a “great” trade deal with the United Kingdom, citing Donald Trump’s affinity for the country and its people. In an interview with the website UnHerd, Vance said the president “really loves the United Kingdom” and described the relationship as “much deeper” than business ties.
The comments come weeks after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on imports, including a 10% charge on British goods and a 25% rate on UK steel and car sectors. Although Britain was spared the most punitive treatment due to a largely balanced trade relationship, UK officials have been in talks with their US counterparts seeking an exemption. Vance noted that the “reciprocal relationship” between the two countries puts Britain in a more advantageous position than other European nations.
Vance also called for European leaders to strengthen immigration and defence policies, arguing it is not in Europe’s or America’s interest for Europe to be “a permanent security vassal of the United States”. He emphasised that a strong Europe helps rein in US foreign policy mistakes, citing the Suez crisis and the Iraq war as examples.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to continue negotiations for an economic deal when she travels to Washington later this month for the International Monetary Fund’s spring meetings. Vance said the president is working “very hard with Keir Starmer’s government” and hopes to reach an agreement that serves both countries’ best interests.
