Amanda Brooks (Image: Civil Service)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will take the credit for a US trade deal hailed by Donald Trump as "a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come". But behind the scenes much of the hard work was carried out by Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and a little-known civil servant who may have saved tens of thousands of jobs in the UK car industry.
Her name is Amanda Brooks, CBE. Ms Brooks was named Director General for Trade Negotiations at the Department for Business and Trade in February 2023. In this role, she leads the Department for Business and Trade’s negotiating teams as they attempt to secure free trade agreements across the world, including in the US.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Osteoarthritis In Your Knees? This Old Trick HelpsWellnee | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Top Tory hails US trade deal as win for Brexit - not Keir Starmer
35 Comments
Top minister says it is ‘complete nonsense' that US trade deal includes ‘China veto'
43 Comments
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
161 Comments
US trade deal LIVE: Donald Trump prepares press conference to announce 'major' UK deal
2335 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
158 Comments
Donald Trump's US-UK trade deal details in full - from cars to beef
363 Comments
Brexit betrayal as Bank of England urges UK works with EU
15 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
272 Comments
Bank of England boss pushes for EU 'rebuild' moments after huge Brexit deal
265 Comments
Keir Starmer issued major warning over Donald Trump's US deal by top economist
18 Comments
Keir Starmer's US trade deal shows Donald Trump blackmailed the UK and won
39 Comments
Fresh nightmare for Keir Starmer as Trump declares films made in UK 'security threat'
60 Comments
EU and Trump trade war explodes as Brussels plots tariffs on US goods worth ￡85bn
45 Comments
Keir Starmer has sold Britain out with new US trade deal: 'We've been scammed!'
1557 Comments
What Thousands of Guys in Las Vegas Are Using to Feel More in Control AgainRex MD | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
POLL: Do you think the UK-US trade deal is good for Britain?
110 Comments
Donald Trump to sign US-UK trade deal' after hinting at imminent 'major' announcement
272 Comments
The Knee Brace Has Taken Nevada By Storm.Mrjoint | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
UK signs massive ￡4.8bn trade deal with India in huge boost to Brexit Britain
666 Comments
Kemi Badenoch slaps down Keir Starmer's US trade deal: 'We've just been shafted!'
290 Comments
How Can Women In Menopause Lose Weight Quickly?healthguardian.life | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer tipped to announce massive US trade deal within days
43 Comments
Donald Trump takes savage swipe at Tories after signing trade deal
142 Comments
Compare 2025’s High-Interest Savings Accounts TodayNerdWallet | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Top Tory hails US trade deal as win for Brexit - not Keir Starmer
35 Comments
Top minister says it is ‘complete nonsense' that US trade deal includes ‘China veto'
43 Comments
Obama’s former summer home in Massachusetts hits market for $39 millionHomes.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
161 Comments
US trade deal LIVE: Donald Trump prepares press conference to announce 'major' UK deal
2335 Comments
Couples in Las Vegas Are Trying This and Loving the ResultsRex MD | Sponsored Sponsored
Get Offer
Undo
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
158 Comments
Donald Trump's US-UK trade deal details in full - from cars to beef
363 Comments
Victorian mansion lists for first time in 50 years as priciest in Chicago suburbHomes.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Brexit betrayal as Bank of England urges UK works with EU
15 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
272 Comments
See Why Women Are Raving About This New Eye Bag RemoverRenewaSkin | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Bank of England boss pushes for EU 'rebuild' moments after huge Brexit deal
265 Comments
Keir Starmer issued major warning over Donald Trump's US deal by top economist
18 Comments
7 Ways to Retire Comfortably With $1MFisher Investments | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer's US trade deal shows Donald Trump blackmailed the UK and won
39 Comments
Fresh nightmare for Keir Starmer as Trump declares films made in UK 'security threat'
60 Comments
Meghan's New Mansion Shocked The Royal Family, Look Inside!Little Fries | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
EU and Trump trade war explodes as Brussels plots tariffs on US goods worth ￡85bn
45 Comments
Keir Starmer has sold Britain out with new US trade deal: 'We've been scammed!'
1557 Comments
POLL: Do you think the UK-US trade deal is good for Britain?
110 Comments
Donald Trump to sign US-UK trade deal' after hinting at imminent 'major' announcement
272 Comments
UK signs massive ￡4.8bn trade deal with India in huge boost to Brexit Britain
666 Comments
Kemi Badenoch slaps down Keir Starmer's US trade deal: 'We've just been shafted!'
290 Comments
Keir Starmer tipped to announce massive US trade deal within days
43 Comments
Donald Trump takes savage swipe at Tories after signing trade deal
142 Comments
Top Tory hails US trade deal as win for Brexit - not Keir Starmer
35 Comments
Top minister says it is ‘complete nonsense' that US trade deal includes ‘China veto'
43 Comments
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
161 Comments
US trade deal LIVE: Donald Trump prepares press conference to announce 'major' UK deal
2335 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
158 Comments
Donald Trump's US-UK trade deal details in full - from cars to beef
363 Comments
Brexit betrayal as Bank of England urges UK works with EU
15 Comments
Don't miss...
Donald Trump to announce 'major' US-UK trade deal today in huge Brexit boost [LATEST]
US trade deal LIVE: Trump confirms 'comprehensive' deal in major Brexi win [LATEST]
She was educated at Durham University, studying politics and economics, before gaining a masters in business administration at Imperial College London. Early civil service roles included a glamorous three-year posting in Singapore as Deputy High Commissioner and Director for Trade and Investment before rising through the ranks in Whitehall with senior roles in the Department for Business and Department for International Trade, two departments which have now been merged to form the Department for Business & Trade.
She has been working on a US trade deal in various roles since November 2020, when she was appointed lead negotiator for the UK. Donald Trump was US President at the time, in his first term in office, but her role was to work with the administration of incoming US President Joe Biden on a deal. While those talks came to nothing, the agreement being confirmed by the White House and Number 10 today is expected to cut tariffs on UK vehicle exports to the US following warnings that the 25% charges announced by Mr Trump earlier this year could cost thousands of British jobs.
Powered By
00:00/00:48
10 Sec
16.7K
0
Darren Jones doesn't accept UK-US trade deal as a Brexit benefit
Next
Stay
In her current role the Government says Ms Brooks "leads the Department for Business and Trade’s negotiating teams in securing free trade agreements. These aim to meet the government’s ambition for the UK’s future domestic and global prosperity."
Sponsored
Energy Bill Cruncher | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Las Vegas: Say Bye To Your High Power Bills If You Live In These Zip Codes
Undo
Others heavily involved in the trade deal include Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the US. Keir Starmer’s business adviser Varun Chandra is also said to have played a key role.
Donald Trump has promised a “very big and exciting day” for US-UK relations as the two countries were set to agree a trade deal.
The US President earlier said there would be developments in trade talks with a “big and highly respected country”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is to say more on the deal later on Thursday, while Mr Trump has promised a press conference at 10am in Washington, 3pm UK time.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: “This should be a very big and exciting day for the United States of America and the United Kingdom.”
He added: “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.
Don't miss...
UK signs massive ￡4.8bn trade deal with India in huge boost to Brexit Britain [LATEST]
Labour mutiny as MPs return to Westminster after Reform election triumph [NEWS]
Keir Starmer 'forced into winter fuel payment U-turn' after election disaster [POLITICS]
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Because of our long-time history and allegiance together, it is a great honour to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement. Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”
Speaking to the London Defence Conference, Sir Keir said: “Talks with the US have been ongoing and you’ll hear more from me about that later today.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Top Tory hails US trade deal as win for Brexit - not Keir Starmer
35 Comments
Top minister says it is ‘complete nonsense' that US trade deal includes ‘China veto'
43 Comments
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
161 Comments
US trade deal LIVE: Donald Trump prepares press conference to announce 'major' UK deal
2335 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
158 Comments
Donald Trump's US-UK trade deal details in full - from cars to beef
363 Comments
Brexit betrayal as Bank of England urges UK works with EU
15 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
272 Comments
Bank of England boss pushes for EU 'rebuild' moments after huge Brexit deal
265 Comments
Keir Starmer issued major warning over Donald Trump's US deal by top economist
18 Comments
Keir Starmer's US trade deal shows Donald Trump blackmailed the UK and won
39 Comments
Fresh nightmare for Keir Starmer as Trump declares films made in UK 'security threat'
60 Comments
EU and Trump trade war explodes as Brussels plots tariffs on US goods worth ￡85bn
45 Comments
Keir Starmer has sold Britain out with new US trade deal: 'We've been scammed!'
1557 Comments
Why Walgreens Hides This Cheap 87￠ Generic CialisHealth Alliance by Friday Plans | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
POLL: Do you think the UK-US trade deal is good for Britain?
110 Comments
Donald Trump to sign US-UK trade deal' after hinting at imminent 'major' announcement
272 Comments
Men's Casual Non-Slip Breath Walking & Driving Shoes-70% OFFOrthopeFeet？ | Sponsored Sponsored
Shop Now
Undo
UK signs massive ￡4.8bn trade deal with India in huge boost to Brexit Britain
666 Comments
Kemi Badenoch slaps down Keir Starmer's US trade deal: 'We've just been shafted!'
290 Comments
AI Power Move: Watch This $800 Bet Morph Into $25,000 in Record 2 Weeks!FX Market Insights | Sponsored Sponsored
Read Now
Undo
Keir Starmer tipped to announce massive US trade deal within days
43 Comments
Donald Trump takes savage swipe at Tories after signing trade deal
142 Comments
Just Plug And Watch HD Channels. No Subscription Requiredtechdealsreview | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Top Tory hails US trade deal as win for Brexit - not Keir Starmer
35 Comments
Top minister says it is ‘complete nonsense' that US trade deal includes ‘China veto'
43 Comments
Seniors Born 1941-1979 Receive 55 Benefits This Month if They AskWalletJump | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
161 Comments
US trade deal LIVE: Donald Trump prepares press conference to announce 'major' UK deal
2335 Comments
How Long Does $1 Million Last After 60?Fisher Investments | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
158 Comments
Donald Trump's US-UK trade deal details in full - from cars to beef
363 Comments
We Put ThirdLove To The Test - Our Editor's Honest ReviewThirdLove | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Brexit betrayal as Bank of England urges UK works with EU
15 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
272 Comments
Nevada: Compare Banks & Open a Checking Account TodayNerdWallet | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Bank of England boss pushes for EU 'rebuild' moments after huge Brexit deal
265 Comments
Keir Starmer issued major warning over Donald Trump's US deal by top economist
18 Comments
Top Doctors Call These 'The Rolls-Royce Of Hearing Aids'Oricle Hearing Aid | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer's US trade deal shows Donald Trump blackmailed the UK and won
39 Comments
Fresh nightmare for Keir Starmer as Trump declares films made in UK 'security threat'
60 Comments
This Tiny Hearing Aid Is Changing Lives—And It’s Under $100Oricle Hearing Aid | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
EU and Trump trade war explodes as Brussels plots tariffs on US goods worth ￡85bn
45 Comments
Keir Starmer has sold Britain out with new US trade deal: 'We've been scammed!'
1557 Comments
POLL: Do you think the UK-US trade deal is good for Britain?
110 Comments
Donald Trump to sign US-UK trade deal' after hinting at imminent 'major' announcement
272 Comments
UK signs massive ￡4.8bn trade deal with India in huge boost to Brexit Britain
666 Comments
Kemi Badenoch slaps down Keir Starmer's US trade deal: 'We've just been shafted!'
290 Comments
Keir Starmer tipped to announce massive US trade deal within days
43 Comments
Donald Trump takes savage swipe at Tories after signing trade deal
142 Comments
Top Tory hails US trade deal as win for Brexit - not Keir Starmer
35 Comments
Top minister says it is ‘complete nonsense' that US trade deal includes ‘China veto'
43 Comments
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
161 Comments
US trade deal LIVE: Donald Trump prepares press conference to announce 'major' UK deal
2335 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
158 Comments
Donald Trump's US-UK trade deal details in full - from cars to beef
363 Comments
Brexit betrayal as Bank of England urges UK works with EU
15 Comments
Here's What Gutter Guards Should Cost You In 2025HomeBuddy
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Here’s the Price of Clog-Free Gutters – GuaranteedHomeBuddy
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
One Teaspoon a Night Melts Fat Like Never Before – Your Clothes Will Fit Again!Blog - Lose Weight Fast
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Birds Love Our Eco-Tough Bird House!Graddi
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
“But make no mistake, I will always act in our national interest, for workers, businesses and families, to deliver security and renewal for our country.”
The Government has been pursuing a deal with the US to reduce the impact of sweeping tariffs imposed by Mr Trump last month, which placed a 10% levy on all UK exports and a 25% charge on steel, aluminium and cars.
Ministers are expected to update MPs on talks with the US with a statement in the Commons.