Remainer Peter Mandelson admits UK-US trade deal 'only possible' because of Brexit

In a rare public shift, Lord Peter Mandelson — former EU Trade Commissioner and longtime Remain campaigner — has acknowledged that Brexit made possible a new trade deal between the UK and the United States. Speaking in his current capacity as British Ambassador to the U.S., Mandelson told The Times that British carmakers are now benefitting from a post-Brexit bilateral deal brokered with President Donald Trump’s administration.

“Undoubtedly, we couldn’t have done this deal if we had remained part of the European Union,” Mandelson admitted.

“We lost many other things by leaving, but we get the chance to do this deal. So there’s some positives.”

🚗 British Automakers Gaining Ground in U.S. Market

Under the agreement, the U.S. slashed its car import tariffs on British-made vehicles from 27.5% to 10%, providing a significant advantage to UK luxury brands like Aston Martin. By contrast, EU vehicles such as Mercedes and Ferraris still face the full 27.5% tariff, giving British exports a 17.5% competitive edge in the American market.

“That’s very gratifying,” Mandelson said, noting the effort by both the UK embassy and the government in London.

“It means those Aston Martins and similar British products are more competitive than their EU rivals.”

The deal also includes zero tariffs on UK aerospace exports, though U.S. tariffs on British steel and aluminium remain at 25% — something both sides are reportedly still negotiating.

💥 Trump Hits EU with Broad Tariff Hike

Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and the European Union are escalating. Over the weekend, President Trump announced a 30% general tariff on all EU goods, citing what his administration views as persistent trade imbalances and unfair competition.

The move further underscores the shift in trade dynamics post-Brexit. While Britain is forging its own path through bilateral deals, the EU now faces higher barriers to U.S. markets, potentially hurting industries across the continent.

🇺🇸 Mandelson: “Trump May Be the Most Consequential President”

In a surprising show of praise, Lord Mandelson described Donald Trump as “a unique and consequential president,” calling him a political figure with a strong grasp of power dynamics.

“He’s not a man for endless seminars and thinking. He’s not a victim of analysis paralysis,” Mandelson said.

“There’s often a kernel of truth in what he says.”

The ambassador even recalled Trump’s personal charm when they first met, saying the president greeted him by calling him “a handsome guy.”

🇬🇧 Trump to Visit UK Again in September — But Likely No Speech in Parliament

Trump is reportedly scheduled to make his second state visit to Britain later this year — likely in September during the UK political party conference season. This timing means Parliament will not be sitting, reducing the possibility of political controversy over whether Trump should be invited to address MPs and peers.

During French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent state visit, he was allowed to speak in Parliament — a privilege that Trump may not receive. Some Labour MPs are already circulating a petition to block any such invitation to Trump.

Lord Mandelson seemed to anticipate such resistance, quipping:

“Well there’s a surprise.”

He added that Trump should expect a warm reception in the UK, not just from the government but also from broader British society.

“He really does love Britain. He hugely admires it,” Mandelson said.

“He trusts Keir Starmer… My lodestar here is to demonstrate respect, not sycophancy.”