How a bumper US trade deal could boost the whole of the UK – and see wages rise

A BUMPER US trade deal could boost all the UK and might even see wages rise, the Government claimed today.

Britain’s economy would see a £3.4billion boom when Boris Johnson strikes a free trade deal with America.

And he moved to stamp out Labour scare stories by promising to protect the NHS and maintain high food standards.

Ministers will fight to lower trade barriers faced by British car manufacturers, ceramics producers and exporters of dairy products including cheddar cheese.

Speaking ahead of the publishing of the UK’s trade negotiating mandate today, the PM said: “We have the best negotiators in the business and of course we’re going to drive a hard bargain to boost British industry.

“Trading Scottish smoked salmon for Stetson hats, we will deliver lower prices and more choice for our shoppers.

“Most importantly, this transatlantic trade deal will reflect the unique closeness of our two great nations.”

The 184-page mandate revealed how the whole of the country could see benefits from such an agreement being signed.

London’s services industries, car manufacturers in the Midlands, and salmon and whiskey in Scotland could see a boost.

“A UK-US FTA could have a significant positive impact on living standards for households across the UK due to potential wage rises combined with lower prices for goods imported from the US,” the small print said.

And Liz Truss said today that there could be a £1.8billion hike to wages, too.

She told the BBC earlier: “Every part of the country is set to benefit.

“I visited a pottery factory in Stoke on Trent – where they have a 28 per cent tariff… we want to see that cut.

“They are then able to expand their business, hire more staff, and potentially pay people more.
“That’s the type of benefit we would expect to see across the economy.”

A deal could see GDP increase in the long run by 0.07 per cent, officials predicted.

The documents repeat a manifesto promise by Boris that the NHS will not be on the table in any talks.

The aims are to get a free trade deal, boost Britain’s economy, protect the NHS, ensure high standards for consumers and workers, and make sure the deal will survive technological changes.

Government research suggests a deal with America will boost transatlantic trade by some £15.3billion, and add £3.4billion to the UK economy.