STORY
The Prime Minister held a call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday evening to discuss mounting concerns over global economic stability following a major announcement from the United States earlier this week that has rattled international markets.
In their conversation, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting the global economy and preventing an escalation into a full-blown trade war. Both agreed that such a scenario would be in no one’s interest, as fears of retaliatory tariffs and fractured supply chains loom large over the international community.
A United Front for Free Trade
Echoing growing concern among U.S. allies, the UK and Canada are positioning themselves as champions of free and open trade. During the call, the British Prime Minister underlined the value of strengthening trade between “like-minded nations” and pointed to international partnerships such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as vital frameworks in this new era of geopolitical realignment.
The UK formally joined the CPTPP in 2023, marking one of its most significant post-Brexit trade moves, and both London and Ottawa view the bloc as a crucial counterbalance to rising protectionist pressures globally.
Ukraine and Defence Cooperation
Beyond trade, the leaders discussed ongoing support for Ukraine amid its continued resistance to Russian aggression. Prime Minister Carney thanked the UK for its leadership on the issue and reiterated Canada’s commitment to the “Coalition of the Willing” — a growing alliance of countries providing coordinated military and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
With the conflict entering its third year, both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining international unity in the face of ongoing threats to European and global security.
Looking Ahead to the G7
The call concluded with the British Prime Minister expressing his anticipation for the upcoming G7 Summit, which Canada will host in June. The summit is expected to focus heavily on trade reform, economic resilience, and security partnerships in light of the current uncertainty. The two Prime Ministers agreed to remain in close contact as global developments unfold.