DEVELOPING: UK Signals Willingness to Cut Auto Tariffs in Bid for Trade Deal with U.S.; Trump Warns Zelenskyy on Ukraine Peace
WASHINGTON – In a move signaling a potential shift in trade relations between the United Kingdom and the United States, chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated the UK’s readiness to reduce tariffs on American car imports. The announcement, made during a speech in Washington, D.C., comes as the UK seeks to forge closer economic ties with the U.S., particularly amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
“We are not going to rush a deal, but we are willing to explore avenues that benefit both our nations,” Reeves stated, according to the Financial Times. Her remarks precede a scheduled meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Scott Bessent, a key figure in the Trump administration’s trade policy.The Financial Times also notes that this growth arrives against a backdrop of rising optimism in global markets, fueled by hopes of a resolution to the U.S.-China trade war.
On the other side of the Atlantic and also dominating front pages, former U.S. President donald Trump has issued stark warnings to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding a potential peace deal with Russia. Several British newspapers, including The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, and The Daily Mail, prominently feature Trump’s comments.The Guardian reports Trump as saying that “Crimea is lost” and that the former president has warned Zelensky on the parameters of a peace deal. The paper notes the uncertainty surrounding how Ukraine and its European allies, who met in london yesterday, will respond to a plan largely constructed in their absence.”
The Daily Telegraph leads with Trump blaming Zelensky “for no peace” due to his continued refusal to cede Crimea to Russia. The Times echoes this sentiment, headlining with Trump’s assertion that Zelensky is the “key obstacle” to a peace agreement. The Daily Mail goes even further, quoting Trump as issuing an “ultimatum” to Zelensky: “Back my peace or lose all of Ukraine.”
These statements come as discussions continue regarding a possible scheme to allow young Europeans to work in the UK, along with a proposal from the Liberal Democrats to ban “noisy phone users” from public transportation. The juxtaposition of these stories highlights the complex and multifaceted challenges facing both the UK and the U.S. on the international stage.
Meanwhile, in other news from across the British press:
The Financial times highlights the emergence of “Maga catholics” placing their faith in a “Trump-like pope,” alongside a story about the U.S. Commerce Secretary’s son venturing into Bitcoin.
The Daily Telegraph features a photo of Nigel Farage, leader of reform UK, with the caption “I’ve got a fighting chance to be PM,” while also reporting on Digital Secretary Peter Kyle’s examination of online safety regulations.
the Times celebrates the seventh birthday of Prince Louis with a portrait.
The Daily Mail features a photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a city break.
The coming days are expected to bring further developments on both the UK-U.S. trade front and the ongoing situation in Ukraine, as these issues continue to command attention on both sides of the Atlantic.
