UK ‘stands prepared’ to intervene as Trump’s US tariffs disrupt international commerce order: PM Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday declared that the UK is ready to deploy direct state intervention to guard British industries from the shockwaves of sweeping tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Starmer mentioned the world had entered a brand new period the place the “outdated assumptions can now not be taken without any consideration” following the USA’ choice to slap 10 p.c tariffs on UK items.
“The world as we knew it has gone,” Starmer wrote, warning that the rising international panorama shall be formed much less by guidelines and extra by offers and strategic alliances.
“It calls for the perfect of British virtues — cool heads, pragmatism and a transparent understanding of our nationwide curiosity,” he added.
Whereas affirming that “no one wins from a commerce warfare,” Starmer mentioned his authorities’s rapid technique was “to maintain calm and battle for the perfect deal.” Nonetheless, he additionally made clear {that a} UK-US commerce settlement would solely be pursued “whether it is proper for British enterprise.”
“All choices stay on the desk,” he mentioned in reference to potential responses to Washington’s transfer.
The financial fallout from the tariffs was already seen by the weekend. British automaker Jaguar Land Rover introduced Saturday that it will “pause” all automobile shipments to the US market in April because it evaluated “the brand new buying and selling phrases.”
In gentle of the shifting international commerce dynamics, Starmer signalled a coverage pivot towards extra assertive authorities motion, promising enhanced help for home industries.
“This week we’ll turbocharge plans that can enhance our home competitiveness,” he wrote, hinting at an upcoming industrial technique bundle.
“We stand prepared to make use of industrial coverage to assist shelter British enterprise from the storm. Some folks might really feel uncomfortable about this… however we merely can’t cling on to outdated sentiments when the world is popping this quick,” he mentioned.