Britain, for now, appears to have escaped Donald Trump’s trade tariff blitz.
Canada, China and Mexico have all been clobbered by the Republican strongman’s clunking fist.
The European Union is next on his hitlist. But amid the “I told you so” relief from the economic know-it-alls the B-word was conspicuously missing.
Brexit, more than most reasons, means that the UK is likely to be spared what would be hugely damaging tariffs at a time when our economy is struggling.
Being free from the tentacles of Brussels means we won’t be strangled when the US President imposes tariffs on the EU.
Trump essentially wants Britain to buy more goods from the US. A trade deal between the two nations would certainly achieve this and enhance the special relationship between us and the US.
But it all depends on how Keir Starmer plays what is essentially a three-dimensional game of geo-political chess.
Not only is the Labour leader courting closer ties with Europe, he has also been rolling out the red carpet for a better relationship with China.
And he is treading on eggshells with regard to the new inhabitant of the Oval Office. Trump’s timing coincides with EU leaders, and Sir Keir Starmer, gathering in Brussels.
It all bodes well for the PM’s mission to “reset” relations with the EU. But he must never forget his Trump card – Brexit. Perhaps he will play it when, as expected, he visits America in the next few weeks.
