Britain will kick off a post-Brexit trade relationship with the US by signing deals with individual states rather than an American-wide agreement, it has been revealed.
Boris Johnson's Government has been forced to change tac in their US approach following Joe Biden's admission that a trade deal with the UK is not a priority.
Mini trade deals with California and Indiana have been mooted, as the UK looks to develop its trade contacts over the Atlantic following Brexit.
There is hope that bypassing the White House can result in huge deals being signed in quick time.
U.S. President Joe Biden responds to questions from reporters as he meets with his Competition Council in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S. January 24, 2022. REUTERS/Leah Millis
LEAH MILLIS
A Department for International Trade insider told The Sun: “From York to New York, Birmingham in the Midlands to Birmingham Alabama - we want to turbo boost UK and US businesses.
"When you look at the numbers, the wins on offer by bagging trade agreements with individual states are massive.
"California’s economy alone is larger than the economy of the whole of France.”
While Government officials have not given up hope of a countrywide agreement with the US, there is an acceptance that it will take time.
International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevalyan has boosted efforts to secure deals with individual states by sending her deputy, Penny Mordaunt, across the pond.
She has spoken with governors, mayors and business leaders from California, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma and South Carolina in a bid to secure trade deals, that are hoped will boost UK business and slash costs for consumers.
California's economy is bigger than France's, valued at an impressive £2.3trillion.
Texas and New York also have bigger economies than Canada and Spain.