NHS is not on the table and neither is that chlorinated chicken, Johnson tells US

Boris Johnson has again warned Donald Trump’s administration that the NHS is “not on the table” during any post-Brexit trade deal with the US.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) holds a meeting with US Vice-President Mike Pence (L) inside 10 Downing Street. (Photo by Peter SUMMERS / POOL / AFP)PETER SUMMERS/AFP/Getty ImagesBritain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) holds a meeting with US Vice-President Mike Pence (L) inside 10 Downing Street. (Photo by Peter SUMMERS / POOL / AFP)PETER SUMMERS/AFP/Getty Images
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) holds a meeting with US Vice-President Mike Pence (L) inside 10 Downing Street. (Photo by Peter SUMMERS / POOL / AFP)PETER SUMMERS/AFP/Getty Images

The Prime Minister played it tough with US vice president Mike Pence as he welcomed Mr Trump’s right-hand man to Downing Street for talks.

The PM said he would not allow the health service to be carved up in trade talks with America and added that Britain was “not too keen on that chlorinated chicken”.

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In a dig at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s refusal to agree to a general election, Mr Johnson said: “We have a gigantic chlorinated chicken of our own on the opposition benches.”

He made the comments at No 10 before being told to “shut up” by aides, with journalists whisked away to allow the pair to continue bilateral talks.

Mr Pence said he had spoken to Mr Trump, whom he called a “friend” of the PM’s, yesterday morning.

He said the US president had emphasised he was “ready, willing and able” to strike a free trade deal “immediately” after the UK had left the European Union.

But Mr Johnson took a strong approach with the US in a bid to allay fears that creeping privatisation and a slackening of food safety standards could form part of any agreement.

“Of course, we will do everything to increase free trade, but the National Health Service is not on the table as far as our negotiations go,” he said. “And we’re not too keen on that chlorinated chicken either.”

Mr Johnson previously said he “made it clear” to Mr Trump at the G7 summit that the NHS is off the table.

The Tory leader, who is facing open revolt in Parliament and within his own party after failing to rule out a no-deal Brexit, said he wanted greater access for UK businesses to sell their goods into America.

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He said: “We will drive that free trade agreement and of course the US economy is a wonderful, massive opportunity for the UK.

“But it is still the case, did you know, that the people of the United States of America do not eat any British lamb or beef or haggis from Scotland.

“I think there are still barriers to trade in shower trays, would you believe it, from the UK and many other products where we think we could free up the US market.

“I know that you guys are pretty tough negotiators, so we are going to work very hard to ensure that any free trade deal is one that works for all sides.” Mr Pence said: “The president often says the US has the biggest economy in the world and we truly believe that a free trade agreement between the United States and the UK could increase trade between our country by three or four times.

“We are anxious to do that and to stand with you and do everything in our power to strengthen what has been a historic and special relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

“It is embodied in the very warm and personal relationship that you have forged with President Trump, with myself and our administration.”

He thanked the PM for fitting him in at a “busy time” for the UK, to which Mr Johnson replied: “It is always busy.”

Mr Johnson also met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday and confirmed his Government would continue to back a two-state solution in the Middle East peace process.