British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a phone call with US President Donald Trump for the first time since the American leader imposed 10 percent tariffs on all imports into the United States from the United Kingdom, PA Media and DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The two leaders discussed the "ongoing productive talks" on trade issues between the two countries, a spokesperson for Starmer's office reported. "The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to free and open trade and the importance of defending national interests."
They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, Iran and the latest actions against the Houthis in Yemen.
This is the first time the two leaders have spoken since Trump announced sweeping tariffs on countries around the world on April 2, a date the US president called "liberation day".
He imposed a 10% tariff on British goods. But supplies from the UK will also fall under the blows of the previously announced 25% tariffs on cars and car parts made abroad.
London is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with Washington and hopes that this will mitigate the impact of the tariffs. As part of these efforts, UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves will travel to the White House for talks next week.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Washington believes that an agreement could be reached within weeks.
But on Thursday, Trump said he was "in no hurry" to make any deals because of the revenue generated by the new tariffs.