British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves highlighted on Friday the significance of the United Kingdom's trade relationship with the European Union, suggesting it may outweigh that with the United States. Speaking to the BBC from Washington, Reeves explained, "They're our nearest neighbours and trading partners," underscoring efforts to rebuild strong trading relationships with European countries including France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and Finland.

Despite emphasizing ties with Europe, Reeves also engaged with United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss a prospective UK-US economic prosperity deal. In a post on X, Reeves stated, "The UK-US relationship has delivered prosperity for businesses and working people on both sides of the Atlantic." She noted their shared goal of reaching an agreement that serves both nations' interests.

Earlier this week, Reeves reiterated the UK's readiness to remove trade barriers to facilitate an agreement while maintaining non-negotiable standards in areas such as food safety, automotive regulations, and digital services policies. Her statements reflect a balanced strategy of reinforcing vital ties with Europe while simultaneously seeking to enhance economic relations with the United States.

Looking ahead, London is preparing for a summit with the European Union in May aimed at solidifying and expanding trade relations, marking a strategic step in the UK's post-Brexit economic agenda.