Last Updated on 5 months by Alex Orion
Many have speculated that Donald Trump’s tariffs are just a negotiation tool something he has done before, However, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer rejects this idea. Speaking at Labour’s local election campaign launch, Starmer argued that Trump’s actions are not a temporary move but a fundamental change in the global economy.
“This is not just a short-term tactical exercise,” Starmer stated. “It is the beginning of a new era.” He compared the economic shift to the security challenges that have led European nations to increase defense spending, emphasizing that Britain must recognize and adapt to this new economic reality.
While Keir Starmer stressed the importance of preparing the UK economy for this shift, he did not outline specific policy changes beyond existing government plans. Some parties, like the Liberal Democrats and Greens, believe this moment calls for rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union. However, Starmer remains firm in his stance that the UK should not choose between the US and Europe. According to The Guardian’s
Before the tariffs were announced, Britain engaged in an intensive diplomatic campaign to secure an exemption. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, No. 10 business adviser Varun Chandra, and UK Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson worked closely with American officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Their proposal centered on expanding UK-U.S. ties in key technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, while reviewing Britain’s digital competition regulations to align more closely with U.S. interests. However, despite these efforts, the UK was hit with tariffs along with every other nation.
“It’s not that the talks failed,” a UK official explained. “It was just that the Americans, all of a sudden, became very clear that World Tariff Day meant World Tariff Day.”
Like many other nations, the UK government only learned of the exact tariff details by watching Trump unveil them on television.
What Happens Next for Keir Starmer ?
Despite the setback, the UK has not taken immediate retaliatory action. Unlike the European Union, which is preparing countermeasures, Britain has instead launched a four-week consultation to determine its response. Downing Street has argued that the 10% tariff on UK exports—the lowest rate applied to any country Validates Britain’s diplomatic approach.
However, critics point out that the UK’s options are limited. “They haven’t got any choice,” said Labour MP Emily Thornberry, emphasizing that a full-blown trade war is not in Britain’s interests.
With Trump’s tariffs now in place, the UK government is shifting focus to securing an exemption in the coming weeks. Ministers remain tight-lipped about a timeline, stating that much depends on Washington’s next move. Trade Minister Douglas Alexander acknowledged that the negotiations were ongoing but warned that the outcome ultimately rests in U.S. hands. according to the Politico
For Keir Starmer, the tariffs present both an economic and political challenge. The UK economy is already struggling with inflation and slow growth, and added trade barriers could further strain businesses. With Labour facing declining poll numbers, the economic fallout from tariffs could become a key issue in the next election.
Standing beside Trump just over a month ago, Keir Starmer had confidently stated that the UK was determined to “deliver for the working people of Britain and America.” Now, as the economic reality of Trump’s policies sets in, Keir Starmer’s ability to navigate this new trade landscape will be a defining test of his leadership.
Plaid Cymru has called on the government to respond to Trump’s tariffs by reducing trade barriers with the EU. Speaking in the Commons, Liz Saville Roberts, the party’s Westminster leader, criticized the reaction to the 10% tariff, arguing that some were celebrating simply because neighboring countries were hit harder according to the Guardians .
“We need to be realistic,” she said. “The 25% tariff on steel and aluminum will have a major impact on Wales, as machinery and transport equipment are our biggest exports to the U.S. Meanwhile, the EU remains Wales’s largest trading partner, with exports worth £11.2 billion.”
She added that with an American president fixated on economic retaliation, the sensible move would be to fast-track the removal of trade barriers with Europe.
Former Labour leader and European commissioner Neil Kinnock has expressed his relief that social media did not exist during his time in frontline politics. Speaking on the Lord Speaker’s Corner podcast with John McFall, Kinnock admitted feeling both “bewildered” and “intimidated” by the digital landscape according to The Guardians.
“I’m so grateful it wasn’t around when I was an MP, opposition leader, or even a European commissioner,” he said. “The constant sniping, the refusal to accept balanced arguments, and the lack of discernment undermine democracy and accountability and qualities that are fundamental to good governance.” Full interview you can Watch Here
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