The British government said on Wednesday, December 17th, that it is working to quickly resume discussions after the U.S. paused the implementation of a technology cooperation deal with the UK.
The agreement was signed during Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK in September and was meant to support closer cooperation on technology and innovation. However, the White House said this week that the deal will not move forward unless the UK makes “substantial progress” in broader trade talks.
The technology pact sits alongside the wider U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, agreed in May, which aims to boost trade and investment between the two countries. While the tech deal is non-binding, it was intended to encourage private-sector investment and align both sides on emerging technologies.
A UK government spokesperson said Britain is keen to restart work on the partnership as soon as possible. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle held talks with U.S. officials in Washington last week, where both sides agreed to continue negotiations next year.
