US suspends technology deal with Britain: report
According to the Financial Times, the US suspended its technology agreement with the UK at the beginning of this year, which aimed to strengthen ties in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and civilian nuclear energy.
British officials confirmed on Monday that the US suspended the deal last week, the FT said, adding that US President Donald Trump’s administration was pressing for Britain to make concessions in areas of trade other than the technology partnership.
The FT said US officials were increasingly frustrated by Britain’s reluctance to tackle so-called non-tariff barriers, including rules and regulations on food and industrial goods.
Reuters could not immediately confirm the report.
The White House and the British government did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
During Trump’s visit to the UK in September, both countries agreed to a Technology Prosperity Agreement to strengthen ties in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy.
The US is Britain’s largest trading partner and major technology companies have already invested billions of dollars in their UK operations.
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