Starmer Left Red-Faced as Trump Confirms UK Not Exempt from Tariffs
Two weeks ago, Downing Street was basking in the glow of fawning headlines after Keir Starmer’s White House meeting with President Trump. Sky News gushed that Starmer had “secured wins for the UK,” citing trade talks as a shining example of his diplomatic prowess. Last night, President Trump confirmed 25% tariffs on worldwide steel and aluminium imports will come into effect from today – and the UK is not exempt. Last-ditch attempts from UK officials to persuade Trump to spare Britain so far have failed…
The EU has already announced retaliatory measures, slapping tariffs on €26 billion worth of US exports covering steel, aluminium, textiles, home appliances, and agriculture. Number 10 insists it isn’t planning to reciprocate tariffs, while business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has expressed the government’s “disappointment” at the announcement:
“It’s disappointing the US has today imposed global tariffs on steel and aluminium. We are focused on a pragmatic approach and are rapidly negotiating a wider economic agreement with the US to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit UK businesses and our economy.”
Keir ‘Charmer’ rapidly gone from hero to zero…