UK: US Deal Unlikely To Be Comprehensive, But Boost To PM's Standing Nonetheless

The gov't now confirming that an agreement on tariffs with the US will be announced later today. In terms of what is included, an important distinction will be on whether a 'trade deal' or 'trade agreement' is announced. As former BoE MPC member Jonathan Haskell told the BBC earlier today, "Trade deals are limited and short-term and partial, just covering a few items. Trade agreements are broad-based and long-term.". Says that a 'deal' could end up being a short-term change that sees, for example, specific tariffs paused for a certain amount of time. 

• Dharshini David at the BBC: "We expect there to be focus on reducing the extra tariffs areas such as the car industry and steelmakers face, and also perhaps on avoiding penalties for the pharmaceutical areas. [...] The universal 10% tariff on other items is likely to remain. This is a far cry from the kind of deal that was being negotiated under the president’s first term."
• Even if the deal is a thin one, the UK being seen to be at the 'front of the queue' - coming just days after the announcement of a trade deal with India - will provide something of a credibility boost for the Starmer gov't  
• Before its announcement, the deal has its critics with the centrist Liberal Democrats demanding a vote in the Commons on any deal. The main opposition centre-right Conservatives have said that they will scrutinise any deal, but as a pro-Brexit party, are unlikely to look to significantly hinder one of the 'benefits' of leaving the EU (an independent trade policy).