YP Comment: May's mission

THERESA May faces what is likely to be one of the most important discussions of her premiership when she meets Donald Trump on Friday.
PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.
PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

It is heartening that the new United States President has chosen to make the Prime Minister the first world leader he meets, and this positive development holds out the prospect that the warm sentiments he has already expressed towards Britain will result in tangible benefits.

Yet Mrs May will need to proceed carefully as she seeks to lay the ground for a post-Brexit trade deal with one of the biggest economies in the world, a relationship that is crucial to Britain’s future outside the EU.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

President Trump’s inaugural address on Friday laid great emphasis on his “America first” policy. He was explicit that the welfare of US companies and workers would be his absolute priority and hinted at protectionism that could see tariffs introduced.

The Prime Minister’s task in persuading him that a constructive and open trading relationship that benefits Britain will also be good for the US economy is not likely to be easy.

As a seasoned business negotiator, President Trump will be aware that he holds the strongest hand in his talks with Mrs May, because Britain needs the US more than it needs us.

Nevertheless, the entrepreneurial new president is an admirer of Britain going it alone outside the EU, and Mrs May flies across the Atlantic with a fair wind at her back in forging a new era in the special relationship.