URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning attack, President Donald Trump has branded Europe as “weak” and “clueless,” igniting fierce responses from UK officials. During an official visit in Washington DC, Labour’s Trade Secretary Peter Kyle accused Trump of “having a bee in his bonnet” regarding Europe’s political and economic stance.
Kyle’s comments come after Trump criticized European leaders for prioritizing “wokeness” over critical trade issues, claiming Europe is “decaying.” The Trade Secretary emphasized that Trump perceives global dynamics differently than his predecessors, a sentiment he suggested is not new.
In a bid to downplay the impact of Trump’s remarks, Kyle pointed out the significant economic ties between the UK and the US, stating, “Don’t forget when he came over just a short while ago, he brought £150 billion worth of trade with him.” He highlighted that American investments are flowing into various sectors across the UK, including Northern Ireland and Blyth in the northeast, where multi-billion-pound data centers are under construction.
Kyle stressed the importance of US-UK relations, asserting, “If you take President Trump at his word, he said during that state visit that when Britain and America are working together, it is the greatest partnership in the history of humanity.” He underscored that this partnership is emotionally and economically significant to Trump, which is why the UK must maintain a strong relationship with the US.
The Labour minister also addressed concerns among pro-EU MPs regarding the possibility of the UK rejoining the European Union. Despite speculation that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer may attempt to re-enter the EU’s customs union, Kyle firmly stated, “We would never do anything that would endanger the trade deals that we have in place.”
As these developments unfold, the focus remains on the future of US-UK relations and how they will shape trade policies moving forward. The urgency of Trump’s comments highlights the fragile state of international relations, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions about Brexit and its implications for trade with both the US and the EU.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The global political landscape is shifting rapidly, and Trump’s recent statements are sure to spark further debate on both sides of the Atlantic.
