Brexit proves PM's Trump card

As president vows to hit EU with tariffs, Sir Keir says UK is 'bridge' between US and Europe

- Martyn Brown, Christian Calgie and James Knuckey

DONALD Trump has vowed to clobber the EU with 25% import tariffs giving Britain a massive post-Brexit boost.

The US president took revenge on the bloc after saying it was formed in order to "screw the United States".

His hammer blow came after Sir Keir Starmer suggested being outside the EU could benefit Britain in its relationship with Mr Trump.

Asked if Brexit is his "trump card", the Prime Minister said Britain would act as a "bridge" between the US and Europe.

Speaking en-route to Washington, where he is due to hold talks with the US president, Sir Keir said: "When it comes to defence and security, we have for decades acted as a bridge because of the special relationship we have with the US and also our allegiance to our European allies.

"That's been there before Brexit. It survives Brexit, and it is really important, because the special relationship is huge. Being able to be a bridge between the US and Europe has been in place for decades and it should continue in place."

Sir Keir insisted President Trump is on the same side as the UK when it comes to securing lasting peace in Ukraine. The PM vowed "there's no issue between us" despite America's split with its European allies when it refused to blame Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.