Trump trade war: PM must convene COBRA to coordinate response to tariffs

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Prime Minister to convene a COBRA meeting to discuss measures to mitigate the impact of Trump’s tariffs, today, including emergency support for the businesses set to be hardest hit.

It comes as Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed in media interviews this morning that the UK will be hit by Trump’s tariffs tomorrow, and following reports that UK negotiators have been rebuffed in their attempts to secure concessions from the US.

The Times reported over the weekend that Whitehall was gaming out devastating consequences including tumbling stock markets, goods shortages and rocketing prices.

The Liberal Democrats said an immediate COBRA meeting was needed to discuss a package of measures to respond to the trade war, and protect the UK economy from these potential shocks – including potential retaliatory tariffs on Teslas. This could include tailored support to boost demand in badly impacted sectors.

The party also urged the Prime Minister to put Britain in the “strongest position possible” to respond to Trump’s bullying, including by repairing the UK’s relations with European neighbours.

Calum Miller MP, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said:

“The Prime Minister should call a COBRA meeting today to coordinate Britain’s response to Trump’s trade war – including plans for Tesla tariffs and emergency measures to boost demand in the hardest hit sectors.

“The Government needs to pull out all the stops to protect businesses and families from Donald Trump’s destructive and needless trade war.

“We can’t kowtow to Trump any longer. That is why we’re urging the Government to urgently start talks on a new trade deal with our European neighbours, so we can negotiate with Washington from the strongest position possible.”

ENDS