UK to use Trump's backing as lever in Brexit talks

London

THE UK government appears to be boosting its relations with the Trump administration, partly as a lever in its negotiations with the European Union (EU).

In an interview with The Times in the UK, US President-elect Donald Trump, who is a supporter of Brexit, said that the US would offer Britain a quick and fair trade deal within weeks of him taking office. It would help make Brexit a "great thing".

Following recent trips by Foreign Minister Boris Johnson and key UK players to meet members of the Trump administration, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and Brexit Secretary David Davis appear to be confident about their coming negotiating strategy to exit the EU. Leaks from the UK ministers over the weekend indicate that they intend …