U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has expressed confidence in the possibility of reaching a trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, stating there is a “good chance” for a deal as the ripple effects of America’s global trade realignment continue to ease.
In an interview with UnHerd, Vance confirmed that the U.S. is working closely with the British government led by Keir Starmer to finalize a potential agreement. This comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs on most major trading partners — including the UK, France, and others. The new trade policy imposes a 10% baseline tariff on all imports from these countries.
Vance emphasized the cultural affinity and historical ties between the U.S. and the UK, and highlighted President Trump’s personal admiration for King Charles as a sign of the continued strength in bilateral relations.
However, the Vice President was more critical toward continental Europe, warning that insufficient military spending by many European nations — with the exception of Britain, Poland, and France — risks turning the rest into “security vassals of the United States.” He described this trend as a serious concern for the long-term stability and defense of the continent.
Defending the Trump administration’s new trade direction, Vance insisted the President is simply seeking fairness in international commerce. However, he acknowledged that successful implementation would require listening to business leaders’ concerns and adapting policy when necessary.
