The UK automotive industry has issued a stark warning against adopting Trump-style trade tariffs, as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledges to revitalise British manufacturing with a new industrial strategy.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), cautioned that punitive tariffs similar to those imposed by former US President Donald Trump could severely damage the sector. "We need a government that understands the importance of free and fair trade," Hawes said.
Labour has promised to support the automotive industry through investment in skills, infrastructure, and green technology. Starmer emphasised that a Labour government would work closely with manufacturers to boost exports and create jobs.
The warning comes as the industry faces multiple challenges, including the transition to electric vehicles and global supply chain disruptions. Hawes stressed that the next government must prioritise competitiveness to maintain the UK's position as a leading automotive hub.
