Lib Dems call for vote on any Trump trade deal

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The Liberal Democrats are calling for a vote in Parliament on any deal struck with Donald Trump, including reported plans to sell out British farmers and weaken the UK’s online safety laws.

It comes amid reports that the government is planning to water down online safety laws that help keep children safe online and lower tariffs on US beef, chicken and pork as part of a deal with Trump. President Trump has also called on the UK to drop its ban on imports of US chlorinated chicken.

It is also expected that the government will lower taxes on US social media giants, by reducing the Digital Services Tax that raises over £800m a year.

The Liberal Democrats have said that Parliament should be given a vote before any government deal with Trump comes into force. The party is also calling on both Labour and Conservative MPs to reject any deal with Trump that sells out British farmers or weakens online safety rules for children.

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper said:

“MPs must be given a say on any government deal with Donald Trump. It would be deeply undemocratic if Parliament were to be sidelined on such a critical issue for the country.

“Both Conservative and Labour MPs should commit now to voting down any Trump deal that sells out British farmers and their high food standards or waters down our online safety rules. The government must not use our high food and animal welfare standards or the online safety of our children as pawns in a negotiation to appease Donald Trump.”

ENDS