As Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visits Washington DC to attempt to secure a trade agreement with Donald Trump, concerns are growing about the price the UK would have to pay to secure such an agreement.
Talks are focusing on advanced technologies and digital trade. The US has made it clear that any agreement must lower barriers for American tech companies, pushing the UK to compromise its own rules on data protection, online safety and taxation.
Tom Wills, Director of the Trade Justice Movement, said:
“The ongoing US-UK trade talks look to be less about collaboration and more about whether the UK is willing to slash regulations on tech companies to satisfy American corporate interests.
“The UK has worked hard to develop its own approach to regulating Big Tech, and clearly this must be maintained and expanded if the extraordinary potential of technology and AI is going to be harnessed in support of the public good.
“Caving into Trump’s demands could mean undermining the UK’s ability to hold tech giants accountable, protect consumer data, and ensure fair competition. The US has already placed the UK’s Digital Services Tax in its crosshairs, leaving the UK with a choice: retain the ability to tax major tech firms to ensure they pay their fair share, or cosy up to Trump and Musk in the hope they offer a few temporary tariff exemptions.
“A deal which prioritises corporate profits over public interest isn’t the kind of trade agreement we need. As these negotiations unfold, the question is whether the UK Government will stand by its principles or sacrifice them for the sake of a quick trade win.”