Sir Keir Starmer has told MPs during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday that “all options are on the table” in response to the US President imposing 25% tariffs on UK metals.
The Labour government failed to secure a deal with Donald Trump to have the UK being exempt from the steel and aluminium tariffs which will threaten jobs.
The European Union has responded to the US with countermeasures on all US goods with retaliatory tariffs.
The Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on the UK to be “more robust” with Trump just “like the Europeans and the Canadians.”
Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer said in response to Sir Ed, “I’m disappointed to see global tariffs in relation to steel and aluminium.
“We will take a pragmatic approach.”
Read more related news:
Trump’s tariffs threatens the UK’s economic growth
Trump doubles tariffs on metal imports from Canada and Ontario threatens to ‘cut off electricity entirely’ to the US
Trump’s ‘tariffs have backfired’ as the markets ‘are losing confidence in the US economy’
The UK is “negotiating an economic deal which covers and will include tariffs if we succeed,” he told MPs.
“But we will keep all options on the table.”
Gareth Stace, director-general of UK Steel said, “President Trump must surely recognise that the UK is an ally, not a foe. Our steel sector is not a threat to the US but a partner to key customers, sharing the same values and objectives in addressing global overcapacity and tackling unfair trade.
“These tariffs couldn’t come at a worse time for the UK steel industry, as we battle with high energy costs and subdued demand at home, against an oversupplied and increasingly protectionist global landscape.
“What’s more, the EU is also pushing ahead with trade restrictive action that will amplify the impact of US tariffs.”
Nadine Bloxsome, chief executive of trade body the Aluminium Federation, said: “The enforcement of US tariffs today is a critical moment for the UK aluminium industry.
“While the direct impacts are already being felt through reduced US orders and scrap export pressures, the additional risk of trade diversion due to EU countermeasures creates an even more serious challenge.
“We are concerned that without proactive safeguarding, the UK could face an influx of low-cost imports, threatening the competitiveness and stability of our domestic market.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our Government must act decisively to protect the steel industry and its workers following the announcement of US tariffs.
“This is a matter of national security. Steel should be immediately designated as critical national infrastructure to properly protect it.”
Leave a Comment