Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Donald Trump in his first call with the US President since he unveiled 10% tariffs on all goods imported to America from the UK.
The two leaders discussed the “ongoing and productive discussions” on trade between the two countries, a Downing Street spokesperson said.
“The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to free and open trade and the importance of protecting the national interest,” No 10 said.
They also talked about the situation in Ukraine, Iran and recent action taken against the Houthis in Yemen.
It is the first time they have spoken since Mr Trump unveiled an array of tariffs on countries on April 2 in what he dubbed “liberation day”.
He imposed a 10% tariff on UK goods. A 25% levy on car imports announced earlier also applies to the UK.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to hold talks with the White House next week amid efforts to strike a trade deal, which Britain hopes can help soften the brunt of the tariffs.
The Telegraph newspaper has reported that officials in Washington believe an agreement could be weeks away.
However, Mr Trump said on Thursday he was in “no rush” to reach any deals because of the revenues his new tariffs are generating.
Mr Trump said lots of countries wanted to reach deals “frankly … more than I do”, and that any agreements would come “at a certain point”.
The US president also suggested that a date for September was being set for him to visit the King in the UK.
There has been speculation that the US may press for the UK to limit its dealings with China as part of trade talks.
The Chancellor said it would be “foolish” to cut ties with China to placate Mr Trump.
“China is the second biggest economy in the world, and it would be, I think, very foolish, to not engage. That’s the approach of this Government,” she told The Telegraph.
She signalled she would back the fast fashion firm Shein launching an initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange.
Shein, which was founded in China but is now based in Singapore, has seen efforts to float face a variety of obstacles, including political pressure in the UK over alleged supply chain and labour abuses.
“Those are decisions for the Financial Conduct Authority and the London Stock Exchange Group, but they’ve got very strict standards about disclosures, for example. But we do want to welcome new listings onto the London Stock Exchange,” Ms Reeves said.
Ms Reeves will hold talks with officials from the US administration when she travels to Washington to attend the International Monetary Fund’s spring meetings with other finance ministers.
