— to pursue “as close a relationship with the U.S. as possible.” But she said that should not preclude close ties with the EU, too. There's a 'very good' geopolitical argument for closer EU and UK ties: Former EU trade officialwatch now VIDEO02:41 There’s a good geopolitical argument for closer EU-UK ties, says Bruegel fellow “If we’re looking for a reset, this is a good time,” she said, noting that the current backdrop could actually improve the U.K.’s position when seeking improved relations with the EU. “This is a time where there is perhaps leverage (for the U.K.) to ask for a bit more.” Thorning-Schmidt, who was prime minister between 2011 to 2015, acknowledged, however, that there could be some “binary” choices ahead as both sides seek to position themselves under a Trump presidency. “If there are tariffs coming our way, do we retaliate? Is that an answer?” Thorning-Schmidt said. “If we are asked to align more with the U.S. in terms of their China policy, that could be a binary choice as well,” she continued. “And if the U.K. is somehow forced to choose between the U.S. and EU — which I don’t think they will — that’s perhaps a binary choice.”