UK Hopes To Have US Trade Deal For Metals Within Weeks

British officials are forging ahead in their trade talks with the US despite a recent court decision overturning many of Donald Trump's tariffs, and hope to have deals covering cars, metals and aeroplane parts in place within weeks.

- Kiran Stacey

A team of British negotiators spent much of last week in Washington talking to US counterparts about how to implement the deal that was signed earlier this month, including how quickly it can be passed by parliament and Congress.

This was despite a ruling last week by a federal court overturning Trump's blanket 10% tariffs, which Downing Street believes will eventually be overruled by the president's allies on the supreme court.

On Thursday night, an appeals court paused the ruling while it looks more closely at the arguments - allowing Trump's administration to keep them in place.

One government source said: "Some countries are viewing the court ruling as an indication that they were right not to negotiate over tariffs. We're taking the opposite view, and trying to get this deal implemented as soon as possible."

A government spokesperson said: "The UK was the first country to secure a deal with the US in a move that will protect British business and jobs across key sectors, from autos to steel. We are working to ensure that businesses can benefit from the deal as quickly as possible and will confirm next steps in due course."