Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that trade negotiations between the UK and the US are "well advanced," even as new tariffs from Donald Trump are expected to take effect
this Wednesday.
In an interview with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Starmer confirmed that the UK is "working hard on an economic deal" with the US and noted that there has been "rapid progress" in recent weeks. However, he acknowledged that the UK is unlikely to avoid the incoming tariffs.
"Look, the likelihood is there will be tariffs," he admitted. "Nobody welcomes that, nobody wants a trade war. But I have to act in the national interest, and that means all options have to remain on the table."
Despite the looming trade measures, Starmer rejected a "knee-jerk" reaction, saying, "These kinds of economic discussions typically take months or years, but we’ve advanced quickly. A calm, collected approach is what's needed right now."
Tariffs expected on all UK exports
The US president is expected to introduce wide-ranging tariffs on Wednesday, a date Trump has dubbed "liberation day." A 25% levy on UK cars and car parts has already been confirmed, with additional tariffs expected to apply to all UK exports to the US.
Downing Street has admitted that negotiations have not progressed fast enough to prevent the tariffs, despite intense efforts.
UK considers its response
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News he remains "hopeful" that the tariffs can be reversed. However, he warned that if no resolution is reached soon, the UK may need to consider its own countermeasures.
"The longer we go without a solution, the more we will have to think about our own position — including potential retaliatory tariffs," Reynolds said. He emphasized that the government is taking a "calm-headed" approach but agreed it would be "reasonable" to keep all options open.
Trump has said the new import taxes are aimed at countries with significant trade imbalances with the US. Though he has not named specific countries or industries, he indicated over the weekend that the measures would apply globally. Photo by Loco Steve from Bromley, UK, Wikimedia commons.