Donald Trump admits tariff strategy 'won’t be easy' as he urges Americans to 'hang tough'
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to defend British businesses from the fallout of sweeping new US tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Starmer stated: “We stand ready to use industrial policy to help shelter British business from the storm,” signaling a proactive stance as the UK faces mounting trade pressures.
Starmer cautioned that “old assumptions can no longer be taken for granted” in a world increasingly shaped by deals and shifting alliances rather than established international rules—a world he believes will define Trump’s leadership style should he return to office.
The US has imposed a 10% tariff on all British exports, with a particularly heavy blow to the automotive sector—a 25% tariff specifically targeting British carmakers, including industry giant Jaguar Land Rover.
Labour’s Darren Jones, a senior minister, criticized the move, warning that a trade war benefits no one. “Globalisation, as we’ve known it, is over,” he remarked, highlighting the growing unpredictability in global trade.
In response, Jaguar Land Rover announced it would temporarily halt shipments to the US while it evaluates how to absorb or offset the financial impact of the new tariffs.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated during a heated media exchange when a Trump ally compared a BBC host to a “kindergartener” during a tariff debate, even threatening to end the interview prematurely. Photo by Prime Minister’s Office, Wikimedia commons.