Boris Johnson warns US vice president Mike Pence that NHS is 'not on table' in post-Brexit trade talks

Rebecca Speare-Cole5 September 2019
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned the Trump administration that the NHS is "not on the table" during any post-Brexit trade deal talks with the US.

Mr Johnson drew the red line as he welcomed US vice president Mike Pence to Downing Street on Thursday.

The PM said he would not allow the health service to be carved up in trade negotiations with America before adding that Britain was "not too keen on that chlorinated chicken".

In a dig at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Johnson also said: "We have a gigantic chlorinated chicken of our own on the opposition benches."

Mr Johnson greets Mr Pence outside 10 Downing Street.
Getty Images

Aides told him to "shut up" before journalists were whisked away to allow the pair to continue their bilateral talks.

Mr Pence said he had spoken to Mr Trump - who he called a "friend" of the PM's - on Thursday morning and that the US president had emphasised he was "ready, willing and able" to strike a free trade deal "immediately" after the UK had left the European Union.

But Mr Johnson took a strong approach with the US in a bid to allay fears that creeping privatisation and a slackening of food safety standards could form part of any agreement.

"Of course, we will do everything to increase free trade but the National Health Service is not on the table as far as our negotiations go," he said.

US vice president Mike Pence
PA

The Tory leader, who is facing open revolt in Parliament and within his own party after failing to rule out a no-deal Brexit, said he wanted greater access for UK businesses to sell their goods into America.

Speaking in the White Room at Number 10, he said: "We will drive that free trade agreement and of course the US economy is a wonderful, massive opportunity for the UK.

"But it is still the case, did you know, that the people of the United States of America do not eat any British lamb or beef or haggis from Scotland.

"I think there are still barriers to trade in shower trays, would you believe it, from the UK and many other products where we think we could free up the US market.

"I know that you guys are pretty tough negotiators so we are going to work very hard to ensure that any free trade deal is one that works for all sides."

Mr Pence said: "The president often says the US has the biggest economy in the world and we truly believe that a free trade agreement between the United States and the UK could increase trade between our country by three or four times.

"We are anxious to do that and to stand with you and do everything in our power to strengthen what has been a historic and special relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

"It is embodied in the very warm and personal relationship that you have forged with President Trump, with myself and our administration."

He thanked the PM for fitting him in at a "busy time" for the UK, to which Mr Johnson replied: "It is always busy."

Mr Johnson also met Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and confirmed his Government would continue to support a two-state solution in the Middle East peace process.

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