Economy Reeves talks up EU trade before US tariff meeting

Rachel Reeves said the UK's trading relationship with the EU was "arguably even more important" than that with the US, as she prepared to lobby her American counterpart, Scott Bessent, over tariffs.

- Heather Stewart Washington Jasper Jolly

Speaking in Washington, the British chancellor told the BBC she was keen to see trade barriers with the US come down.

But she also stressed how hard the government was working to improve economic links with the EU.

"I understand why there's so much focus on our trading relationship with the US, but actually our trading relationship with Europe is arguably even more important, because they're our nearest neighbours and trading partners," she said.

Last night, Reeves tweeted a photo of her shaking hands with Bessent, adding that they discussed "the UK-US economic prosperity deal and our goal of reaching an agreement that is in both our national interests".