Reacting to reports that the UK and US governments will begin formal talks on a post-Brexit trade deal next week, Shadow International Trade Secretary, Emily Thornberry, said:

“With the US election now just six months away, we should all be extremely wary of a President who will do anything to stay in the White House, and a Conservative government that will do anything to help him.

“That is a recipe for a trade deal designed for the benefit of the major corporations behind American industry, farming and healthcare, which will have very real implications on workers’ rights, environmental protections, the food we eat and our beloved NHS.

“If Boris Johnson will not stand up to Donald Trump, then the British Parliament must. This is too important to get wrong. Labour will insist that any proposed trade deal is subject to proper scrutiny, and we will not let the interests of the British people be sacrificed to boost the profits of US corporations.”