The British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said Brits are “very concerned” as the US President Donald Trump claims Sir Keir Starmer is “very happy” with the 10% tariffs and the 25% levies on all vehicles being imported to America.
Trump’s tariffs will affect people’s pockets as prices will go up at a time the cost of living is dire as Labour is ramping up taxes to such an extent people who are already struggling will be pushed further into poverty.
Labour has said they will remain “cool and calm” as they believe they can work out a deal with Washington.
The US President told reporters on board Air Force One on Thursday evening that the British Prime Minister is “very happy” with the tariffs.
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Lammy was asked is it now time for Starmer to stand up to Trump, he said, “The United Kingdom, like France, is a great maritime nation.
“We are a nation that believes in open trade, and I regret the return to protectionism in the United States, something that we’ve not seen for nearly a century.
“As you know, we are consulting with business and industry. At this time, we are engaged in discussions with the United States to strike an economic agreement and an economic deal.
“And of course, we have been absolutely clear that all options are on the table as we ensure the national interests of the British people, who will be very concerned at this time about how this affects the bottom line for them and their economic welfare.
“We will put their national interest first, and it’s in their national interests to be negotiating with the United States an economic agreement at this time but keeping all options on the table.”
The US President said on Thursday on Air Force One that he and Starmer, “have a very good dialogue. I think he was very happy about how we treated them with tariffs.”
On Thursday the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said the government must keep a cool head over the US President’s sweeping tariffs.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said, “The Government has kept a cool head so far and must continue to negotiate. This is a marathon not a sprint, and getting the best deal for the UK is what matters most.
“But no-one will escape the fallout from these decisions, there will be an increased risk of trade diversion, and it will wreak havoc on businesses communities across the world.
“Orders will drop, prices will rise, and global economic demand will be weaker as a result. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone.
“So, it is vitally important that the government does not give up on negotiations. Tariffs can be lifted at any time and the US has signalled its willingness to do some form of deal with us.
“The UK is not without influence, our bilateral trade with the US is worth £300bn, we have £500bn invested there and it has £700bn tied up in our economy. There is a high-level of co-dependency and we are speaking to businesses across the UK on options for government to consider.
“There are no winners in the current scenario, negotiations will take time and will inevitably involve compromise. Any decisions on taxes will need to be taken very carefully, and the government must consider all its fiscal options.
