London sets red lines in trade talks with Washington

The UK said on Sunday it wants to conclude an " ambitious and comprehensive " free trade agreement with the United States, while preserving its public health care system and maintaining " high " food standards .

Read also: Brexit: the EU and London are looking for a future

One month after leaving the European Union at the end of January, the British government must detail its objectives for a trade deal with Washington on Monday, negotiations to start in March.

The Department of International Trade said in a statement it expects a £ 3.4 billion (nearly € 4 billion) boost for the British economy if it can get along with its " largest bilateral trading partner . "

But it also sets its red lines: the public health system (NHS), free and dear to the British, " is not for sale ", and high standards must be maintained in terms of food safety and animal welfare . The government is referring to fears that chlorinated chicken or beef with American hormones will arrive in the United Kingdom, as well as to accusations by the Labor opposition which accuses it of wanting to privatize the NHS.

" We are going to be firm in stimulating the British industry, " said Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the statement. " By exchanging Scottish smoked salmon for Stetson hats, we will offer lower prices and more choice " for British consumers, he also said.

In addition to discussions with Washington, London started difficult negotiations on Monday with the European Union to try to define, by the end of the year, their future relationship after Brexit.

Read also: What future for the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom?

The government, which aims to cover 80% of British foreign trade through free trade agreements by 2022, said it would " soon " detail its negotiating objectives with Australia, Japan and New Zealand.