Brexit deal may hamper trade between US, UK: Trump

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday the UK's Brexit agreement may hamper trade between Washington and London, a suggestion rejected by the latter.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House before a trip to Mississippi, Trump said the deal that British Prime Minister Theresa May struck with Brussels "sounds like a great deal" for the EU.

"I think we have to take a look at, seriously, whether or not the UK is allowed to trade, because you know right now, if you look at the deal, they may not be able to trade with us," he said.

"That wouldn't be a good thing. I don't think they meant that, I don't think the prime minister meant that, and hopefully she'll be able to do something about that," said Trump. "But right now, as the deal stands, they may not be able to trade with the U.S., and I don't think they want that at all. That would be a very big negative for the deal."

May’s office said the agreement allowed the UK to sign trade deals with countries around the world, including the U.S.

"We have already been laying the groundwork for an ambitious agreement with the U.S. through our joint working groups, which have met five times so far," said a spokesperson for the office.

On Sunday, the 27-member bloc approved the withdrawal agreement and political declaration on the future EU-UK relations.

A very turbulent period now lies before the members of Britain’s parliament, as they will vote on the deal in the coming weeks.