Donald Trump’s counter-terror czar Sebastian Gorka has spoken out on the Trump administration’s attitude towards a free trade deal with Britain.
Vice President JD Vance suggested this week that a UK-US agreement may be close.
But a senior Washington figure has told the Independent that Vance will want progress on restoring free speech in Britain before such a deal is struck.
Speaking on GB News, Gorka refused to be drawn when asked by Martin Daubney whether Labour is jeopardising its chances of a deal.
Sebastian Gorka has spoken out on his 'imminent' trip to Britain
PA / GB NEWS
“This is the third time you have diplomatically tried to get a presidentially-commissioned officer of the White House to qualify Downing Street”, he said.
“I will not do that live on air. I will say this - proof of the pudding, my first foreign visit as Senior Director of Counterterrorism and Deputy Assistant to the President will be to the UK imminently”, he said.
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Sebastian Gorka joined Martin Daubney on GB News
GB NEWS
“Draw from that the conclusions that you will. I think the president is looking forward to being back in the UK for another state visit, this time under King Charles.
“Draw the conclusions that you will - but we do love Blighty over here.”
Vance's recent positive comments about a UK-US trade deal have raised hopes for improved economic relations.
The US has expressed concerns about the UK's "tech tax" on primarily American digital companies.
Washington has also raised issues regarding the Online Safety Act.
However, a significant obstacle has now emerged.
The US has imposed a 10 per cent tax on UK imports as part of what it describes as "reciprocal tariffs".
This new tariff presents a major challenge to any potential deal between the two nations.
