Biden puts UK-US trade deal on hold - report

New US president Joe Biden has put plans for a UK-US trade deal on hold, it has been reported.

The deal - supposedly progressing well under the Trump administration - may now not see the light of day until 2024, if at all, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The publication said that the Biden administration had other priorities, with the focus on restoring America 's pandemic stricken economy and also relations with China.

The US Democrats are also said to be ready to take the British government to task over its 'wanton disregard ' for international law in Northern Ireland.

Further complications are unresolved issues from the Trump era trade negotiations, such as hormone-fed beef and chlorinated chicken.

Eileen Schofield, vice-president of Transatlantic Chamber and Solihull Chamber confirmed that the trade deal had been delayed, but stressed that relations between the UK and US remained strong.

She said: “We understand that the President Biden Administration has delayed the completion of the UK - US free trade agreement beyond 2021, there are pressing issues at home and we understand the administration has given priority to China, Japan and the EU.

“However the UK-US alliance remains robust and strong with significant long standing economic benefits to both countries.

“The Transatlantic Chamber continues to support businesses trading with the US and those business who are seeking business opportunities in the West Midlands. ”