Leaked memo reveals UK and the EU plan to defy Trump with own deal

The United Kingdom and the European Union have reached a trade agreement — despite President Donald Trump's tariff agenda.

Politico reported on Monday that a leaked draft revealed a “new strategic partnership” between London and Brussels, centered on maintaining "global economic stability and their mutual commitment to free and open trade."

Euractiv reports that the parties will agree to a broad “strategic partnership," which includes a "veiled rebuke of Washington."

Meanwhile, Trump's administration is still negotiating with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's team.

Starmer was in the U.S. to meet with Trump in February, where Trump complained the EU has been "very unfair" to America.

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In the "geopolitical preamble" drafted by the U.K. government, it intends to deepen ties with the EU while pivoting away from the U.S., the Politico report continued.

Starmer "has largely rejected suggestions that the UK must choose between closer ties with either the EU or the US, and is seeking new trade arrangements with both," the Euractiv report added.

One key point in the U.K.-EU draft discusses "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine, among other issues. It comes amid the Trump administration demanding a permanent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Reuters said on Monday.

Russia has indicated it is open to a two-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 while they celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over the Nazis during World War II. Ukraine indicated it's willing to call a truce, the Washington Post explained. However, a disagreement remains over the Ukrainian land taken by Russia.

Ambassadors with the EU are set to meet on Wednesday to review progress on tariffs. The U.K and EU are set to meet at a May 19th summit to deal with post-Brexit trade relations, Euractiv said.

Read the full report here.