Number 10 admits UK to be hit by Trump tariffs: Government needs to “stand tall with our allies” and prepare retaliatory measures

31 Mar 2025

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to Downing Street saying that they expect the UK to be hit by Trump’s tariffs on April 2nd, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“This news will be deeply worrying to the millions already struggling with the worst cost of living crisis in a generation. Ministers have rightly tried to avoid Donald Trump imposing his destructive tariffs on British businesses – but as we knew all along, Trump doesn't care.

"Just asking nicely clearly doesn't work with Trump, so we have to stand tall with our allies in Canada and Europe and show that we will not be bullied. That means being prepared to impose reciprocal tariffs if necessary, including on Elon Musk's Teslas, and urgently negotiating a better trade deal with the EU to show Trump we have alternatives.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Reporting on Downing Street's comments can be found here.

 


 

 

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