“These are discussions around tariffs and trade barriers, but we are not going to be changing our standards based on asks from foreign governments,” Ms. Reeves said. “Decisions around food standards, around digital services, around auto standards are decisions for the U.K. government to make.”Discussions with Mr. Bessent would instead be about building a partnership focused on technology. Ms. Reeves said the Trump administration was right, in some respects, to call out the need for “fair” trade practices. “I believe in free trade, but it also has to be fair trade,” she said. The British government will review the customs rule that allows goods valued at up to 135 pounds ($180) to be imported without having to pay a duty.

Source: The Times April 23, 2025 18:39 UTC