8 May 2025, 14:36 | Updated: 8 May 2025, 16:21
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Donald Trump has officially announced a ‘historic’ trade deal with the United Kingdon.
Speaking from the White House, Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer revealed details of the deal, including cuts to tariffs on cars and food produce.
Trump said: “The deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports, especially in agriculture, dramatically increasing access for American beef, ethanol, and virtually all the products produced by our great farmers.”
He added the “bond between our two countries will soon be stronger than ever before.”
While Starmer highlighted the connection between today’s agreement and VE Day.
The deal’s timing “couldn’t be more apt”, Starmer said.
“To be able to announce this great deal on the same day, 80 years forward, almost at the same hour – and as we were 80 years ago with the UK, the US standing side by side – I think is incredibly important and makes this truly historic.”
Follow our live blog for updates.
Starmer issues statement in wake of trade deal announcement
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “The new global era demands a government that steps up, not stands aside.
“This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers protecting thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel.
“My government has put Britain at the front of the queue because we want to work constructively with allies for mutual benefit rather than turning our back on the world.
“As VE Day reminds us, the UK has no greater ally than the United States, so I am delighted that eight decades on, under President Trump the special relationship remains a force for economic and national security.
“This is jobs saved, jobs won but not job done and our teams will continue to work to build on this agreement.
“My Government is determined to go further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.”
Starmer highlights VE Day connection
Sir Keir Starmer highlighted today’s VE Day connection as he spoke with Donald Trump,
The deal’s timing “couldn’t be more apt”, Starmer said.
“To be able to announce this great deal on the same day, 80 years forward, almost at the same hour – and as we were 80 years ago with the UK, the US standing side by side – I think is incredibly important and makes this truly historic.”
‘A historic day’
The PM has hailed this news as “a really fantastic, historic day.”
He described the agreement as “a real tribute to, the history that we have of working so closely together.”
“This is going to boost trade, between, and across our countries,” the PM said.
“It’s going to not only protect jobs, but create jobs., opening market access.”
Trump reveals details of trade deal
Donald Trump, speaking from the White House, has revealed details of his trade deal with the UK.
He said: “The deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports, especially in agriculture, dramatically increasing access for American beef, ethanol, and virtually all the products produced by our great farmers.”
He added the “bond between our two countries will soon be stronger than ever before.”
A ‘very conclusive deal’
Donald Trump has arrived, describing today’s deal as “very conclusive”.
He said the details will be “ironed out” in the coming weeks, but a deal should be signed soon.
He said Sir Keir Starmer has been “terrific” in negotiations.
Delays all round…
Trump is still keeping everyone waiting over in Washington.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to speak at 4pm.
But with Trump still AWOL, we could see further delays on this side of the Atlantic.
Trump trade deal to slash tariffs on Range Rovers, according to reports
Today’s trade deal with the United States will see tariffs on British-made Range Rovers cut to 10pc, according to the Telegraph.
Britain’s car industry was hit hard by Trump’s decision to slap all foreign-made motors with tariffs.
“We’ll get immediate relief on sectoral tariffs,” a source told the publication.
‘An important step forward’
Marco Rubio has described today’s deal as an “important step forward” in free trade across the globe.
Taking to X, he wrote: “Thank you @POTUS! This is an important step towards fair and reciprocal trade with our partners around the world.
“Looking forward to the many great deals your administration will deliver for the American people!”
Commentators have suggested this could spell the end of Trump’s global trade war as the US begins to agree deals with its partners.
What did Trump say when he announced the deal?
In typical Trump fashion, the US president announced a “full and comprehensive” trade deal with the UK on TruthSocial.
He wrote: “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.
“Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement.
“Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”
Sir Keir Starmer to speak at 4PM – reports
The Prime Minister will address the nation at 4pm this afternoon following the agreement of a trade deal between the US and UK.
Sir Keir will be speaking from the West Midlands – while Trump’s conference will take place in the Oval Office.
The president was due to speak at 3pm but this has reportedly been pushed back.