Nick Thomas-Symonds comments on reports the Government is seeking 'mini' trade deals with individual US states

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour's Shadow International Trade Secretary, commenting on reports that the Government is seeking 'mini' trade deals with individual US states instead of a comprehensive free trade agreement, said:

"The Conservative manifesto of 2019 promised a completed, comprehensive US trade deal by the end of 2022.

“Now it seems the Government is shifting the goal posts and pretending that they have not broken a manifesto commitment.

“For years Britain has enjoyed a special relationship with the US but under the Tories this is being damaged. Ministers need to - urgently - come clean and tell the public why we appear to be the back of the queue for a free trade deal.

“Jobs, businesses and livelihoods - the security and prosperity of our communities - depend on the Government securing trade deals and ministers need to deliver.”