US ‘will not entertain’ UK trade deal that risks Good Friday agreement

US congressman Richard Neal says peace deal must not be held hostage over domestic politics'

A bilateral trade deal between the US and the UK is desirable" but will not progress while the Northern Ireland peace deal is being used for domestic political purposes, one of the most powerful American congressmen has warned.

Richard Neal, the chairman of the ways and means committee, has told the Guardian: We will not entertain a trade agreement if there is any jeopardy to the Good Friday agreement.