British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves suggested on Friday that the United Kingdom's trade ties with the European Union are arguably of greater significance than its relationship with the United States.

"I understand why there's so much focus on our trading relationship with the US, but actually our trading relationship with Europe is arguably even more important, because they're our nearest neighbours and trading partners," Reeves told the BBC. Speaking from the US capital, Reeves underscored that she is not only meeting US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week, but also finance ministers from France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and Finland as part of efforts to rebuild trading relationships with "nearest neighbours" in Europe.

London is preparing for a summit with the EU in May in an attempt to reinforce trade relations.