'Stop bungling' Protocol negotiations so US ends trade tariffs on British steel, Lord Frost told

By Press Association

Labour has called for Lord Frost to “stop bungling” the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations so that the US ends trade tariffs on British steel.

Shadow trade minister Gareth Thomas told the Commons:

“Free trade negotiations with the US are vital to lifting Donald Trump’s tariffs on British steel and aluminium exports, which in turn are crucial to protecting jobs and businesses in communities across our country.

“Given that the US has already agreed to lift tariffs on many EU steel products, if we are to get a level playing field for our firms and our workers, might it not be time for Lord Frost to be given a little help to stop bungling discussions with the EU so this vital US-UK trade deal can be sorted?”

International trade minister Ranil Jayawardena said:

“We will always stand up for the British national interest and that includes with the European Union. We will make sure that our United Kingdom remains strong and can trade with the world.

“The truth is America’s unjustified tariffs on steel and aluminium and derivatives imports from the UK are unfair and unnecessary.”

President Joe Biden’s administration has reportedly held off on lifting the tariffs due to concerns over how the UK is handling negotiations over the Northern Ireland protocol.

Yesterday, European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic told MLAs the EU's commitment to the Good Friday Agreement remained "absolute".

Mr Sefcovic is due to speak to UK chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost tomorrow as political and technical discussions around the protocol continue.

"We will remain calm and constructive but also firm," the European official told MLAs.

(Brexit minister Lord Frost in the centre)