Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to use industrial policy to “shelter British business from the storm” of tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, he said the government is prepared to intervene directly in the market and boost domestic competitiveness.
The UK was hit this week with a 10% baseline import duty, alongside a 25% tariff on car, steel, and aluminium exports. Some countries could face tariffs up to 50% starting 9 April. Jaguar Land Rover has already paused US shipments in response.
Starmer said the government would continue seeking a US trade deal but warned, “all options remain on the table.” He promised to fast-track Labour’s industrial strategy and explore trade partnerships elsewhere to reduce exposure.
The UK has drawn up a 400-page list of potential US goods to target with retaliatory tariffs. Meanwhile, opposition parties argue that British businesses will feel the squeeze first from today’s National Insurance hike.
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