UK Business Secretary Accuses Biden of Blocking Post-Brexit Trade Deal

British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has accused U.S. President Joe Biden of hindering the progress of a post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and the United States. In her recent appearance before the Business and Trade Committee, Badenoch pointed to the change in administration as a significant obstacle to achieving the government’s objective of securing free trade agreements (FTAs) with 80 percent of the world’s countries following Brexit.

The Impact of the Biden Administration

Badenoch attributed the government’s failure to meet its trade agreement target to the transition from the Trump administration to the Biden administration. She asserted that the change in leadership had a profound impact on negotiations, stating that, “The biggest thing that has had an impact on us reaching that objective was the change in administration from President Trump to President Biden.”

While a post-Brexit UK-U.S. free trade agreement could potentially benefit citizens in both nations and favor American industry and workers, Badenoch indicated that the Biden administration had chosen not to pursue such a deal. Instead, they have opted for smaller-scale, single-issue trade agreements on the international stage.

Badenoch clarified the Biden administration’s position, saying, “We were carrying out negotiations for a US FTA, but then the administration changed, and the Biden administration is just not doing FTAs. What they have basically said is that they’re not doing FTAs with anybody.”

She emphasized that this decision was not specific to the UK, dispelling the notion that it was a punitive measure aimed at Britain. According to Badenoch, it is merely the Biden administration’s strategic choice to refrain from engaging in free trade agreements.

Criticisms and Prior Negotiations

While Badenoch highlighted President Biden as the reason for the lack of a trade deal, the Conservative government faced criticism previously for not prioritizing a post-Brexit agreement with former President Donald Trump. Trump, who was a vocal supporter of the populist-nationalist Brexit movement, expressed eagerness to negotiate a substantial deal with the UK. He believed that such a deal could significantly boost trade between the two countries.

However, negotiations between Washington and London did not gain momentum until May 2020, with the global COVID-19 pandemic further complicating matters.

In contrast to President Trump’s enthusiasm for a UK-U.S. trade agreement, President Biden has a history of opposing Brexit and has expressed his preference for the UK remaining in the European Union. This divergence in views on Brexit and the UK’s place in the world has fueled speculation about the Biden administration’s stance on trade with Britain.

Possibilities for the Future

Although a trade deal was not reached before President Biden’s inauguration, the possibility of an agreement should not be ruled out, especially if former President Trump were to return to the White House in the future. Trump’s previous interest in strengthening ties between the UK and the U.S. suggests that negotiations could resume under a different administration.

The dynamics of international trade are continually evolving, and while political shifts and changes in leadership may impact negotiations, the pursuit of mutually beneficial trade agreements remains a priority for nations across the globe. The fate of a UK-U.S. trade deal will ultimately depend on the prevailing political landscape and the strategic decisions of the respective governments involved.