A tense disagreement unfolded on GB News between presenter Nana Akua and former LabourList editor Peter Edwards following Akua’s criticism of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ remarks regarding trade.
The dispute arose from Reeves’ statement, delivered during a visit to Washington for trade discussions, that the UK’s trading relationship with the European Union is “arguably even more important” than its ties with the United States. This comment drew sharp rebukes from Conservative politicians and Downing Street, which distanced itself from her assertion.
The timing of Reeves’ words has been questioned as potentially detrimental to ongoing negotiations with the US.
Akua expressed her disapproval: “I believe Rachel Reeves made a regrettable slip. When you’re a guest in someone’s home, you don’t suggest their neighbor’s house is superior. That would feel disrespectful, wouldn’t it? Was it prudent for her to make such comments while seeking a trade agreement in America?”
Edwards responded vigorously: “If I were visiting a friend, I’d certainly speak truthfully. She carefully qualified her statement with the word ‘arguably.’ The reality is that the EU remains Britain’s primary trading partner. Considering who she was addressing—Donald Trump isn’t known for his subtlety—I don’t see any fault in Reeves stating a simple fact: trade volume with Europe surpasses that of America. There’s nothing inherently offensive about presenting verifiable data.”
He continued, “It’s the kind of observation you might expect from a political correspondent or the Financial Times. What’s disrespectful about articulating an established economic reality?
Downing Street refrained from supporting Reeves’ assessment of the EU’s trading significance relative to US relations. While acknowledging that the EU is indeed Britain’s largest trade partner, a Prime Minister’s spokesperson declined to echo Reeves’ phrasing emphasizing Brussels as “arguably” more important than Washington.
“The Prime Minister has stated that it’s a misleading choice to present them as mutually exclusive. Both hold immense importance for us and are treated with the utmost respect,” the spokesman clarified.
Conservative officials swiftly condemned Reeves’ comments, with Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith labeling her statement a “significant error.”
“Traveling to Washington to secure a trade deal only to declare that she considers the EU more valuable is a serious misstep by this Chancellor,” Griffith told The Telegraph.
Key Points of Contention:
- Reeves asserted the UK’s trading relationship with the EU is “arguably” more important than its US ties.
- Akua criticized the timing and perceived insensitivity of Reeves’ comments during trade talks in America.
- Edwards defended Reeves, arguing she was simply stating a factual economic reality.
- Downing Street acknowledged the EU’s importance but declined to endorse Reeves’ specific comparison.
- Conservatives labeled Reeves’ remarks a “major gaffe.”
“It’s all rather unseemly, isn’t it?” Edwards added.
