Government Pursues 'Best Deal Possible' for UK Firms Following US Tariff Announcement
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has acknowledged that British businesses face significant uncertainty following Donald Trump's announcement of 15% global tariffs, but insisted the Government is engaged in high-level talks to secure the best deal possible for UK firms. The US president declared the tariffs effective immediately on Saturday, after the Supreme Court overturned his previous import taxes policy in a ruling on Friday.
Business Community Expresses Dismay Over Tariff Increase
The British Chambers of Commerce, representing 50,000 UK companies, swiftly expressed dismay at the announcement. The organisation warned the change would mean an extra 5% increase in tariffs on a wide range of exports to America, except those covered under existing transatlantic trade agreements. This will be bad for trade, bad for US consumers and businesses, and weaken global economic growth, said William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC.
Phillipson Defends UK-US Relationship Amid Tensions
Facing broadcasters on Sunday, Ms Phillipson was questioned about whether Britain should adopt a tougher stance in dealings with the White House. She defended the UK's really good relationship with the US despite recent strained tensions over President Trump's ambitions to annex Greenland, which Britain and other European countries opposed. In reality you get more done when you are prepared to have serious conversations, often not in front of cameras, the minister told Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.
She emphasized that the relationship transcends individual leaders, describing it as long-standing and enduring and vital for national security. Regarding the implications of the new tariff rate, Phillipson stated: We did secure a preferential deal. We would hope and expect that to continue, but these discussions are ongoing.
Background of Trump's Tariff Decision
Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday night enabling him to bypass Congress and impose a 10% tax on imports worldwide, after his reciprocal tariffs introduced under emergency powers in April were struck down by the Supreme Court. In a Truth Social post on Saturday, he announced raising this rate to 15% following what he called a ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti-American decision on tariffs issued the previous day.
Britain had previously secured the lowest tariff rate of 10%, with subsequent agreements between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Trump providing further carve-outs for the UK's steel industry and car manufacturers. Questions remain about the full implications for UK trade, though officials reportedly believe the changes will not affect most British exports to America.
Political Reactions and Calls for Negotiation
Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick strongly opposed the blanket tariffs, describing them as harmful for trade at a time when the economy can ill-afford it. When asked if he wanted Nigel Farage to tell Donald Trump he is wrong, Jenrick responded: Yes, absolutely. I would bet that Nigel Farage will be better at negotiating with Donald Trump than Keir Starmer has been.
He added that if Starmer were willing to swallow his pride and ask for Farage's help to resolve the situation, Nigel would want to do that. Meanwhile, Phillipson confirmed that conversations are continuing right to the very, very highest levels to ensure British national interests are heard loud and clear in Washington.
The Education Secretary concluded by reassuring businesses: I understand the uncertainty it does cause for them, but they can be assured that we will always be working to make sure they get everything that they need. As the situation evolves, the Government maintains its commitment to protecting UK trade advantages through diplomatic engagement.
