Cameron in new bid to win over Merkel for EU and US trade talks
DAVID Cameron hopes to win over German chancellor Angela Merkel as an ally in opening up freer trade with the US, when she visits the UK this week.
The British government wants the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) to be as deep and wide-ranging as possible, and fears its positive effects on economic growth could be undermined if anti-trade opponents in Europe reduce its scope.
As Germany has taken over the presidency of the G7, Cameron is keen to lobby Merkel to push the TTIP hard.
The talks will also cover the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the G7’s role in promoting economic growth globally.
Although Britain’s position within the EU and European migration into the UK will not gain a formal place high up the agenda, the topic is expected to be discussed by the leaders.
Merkel has spoken out against any effort to undermine freedom of movement in the EU, and Cameron is keen to gain her support for changes to benefits paid to EU migrants.
Cameron wants to renegotiate the UK’s relationship with Brussels, before a referendum on continued EU membership by the end of 2017.