House Freedom Caucus co-founder Rep. John Fleming is calling for the United States to be “among the first” countries to form a trade deal with the United Kingdom following their citizens’ historic vote to leave the European Union.
Fleming called the “Brexit” vote a “clear message” signaling a new era of renewed sovereignty.
The British people sent a clear message that they are ready for a new start and ready to have more of a voice in how their nation is governed and economy run. I respect their decision and look forward to a strengthened relationship with our long-time ally.
Top EU officials issued a statement on Friday that warned of a painful process for the U.K. to leave the EU. The post-emergency meeting statement from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Martin Schulz, President of the European Council Donald Tusk and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte called on the U.K. “to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty.”
Rep. Fleming went on to call for the U.S. to enter a trade deal in support of the nation with which America shares a “special relationship.”
America should be among the first to strike a trade deal with the United Kingdom. We should support our ally and renew the special relationship our countries have historically pursued.
U.K. citizens voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU in last week’s referendum, after which Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation. Bank of England governor Mark Carney reassured the world however of the U.K.’s economic future, saying that initial “market and economic volatility” is expected as the country establishes “new relationships with Europe and the rest of the world” and that the Treasury and Bank of England were “well prepared” for this vote.
Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana