Mixed Reactions Across Political Spectrum to UK-U.S. Tariff Agreement
A recently announced tariff agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States has elicited a range of responses from British political figures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the deal as "historic," while detractors criticized it as one-sided and detrimental to local industries.
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A recently announced tariff agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States has sparked a variety of reactions among British political figures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the deal as "historic," while critics have claimed it is one-sided and detrimental to domestic industries.
During a press conference on Thursday, Starmer shared details about the agreement, which aims to lower tariffs on several products, including steel and automobiles.
The terms of the deal will see tariffs on British steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. eliminated. Additionally, the U.S. will reduce tariffs on up to 100,000 British-made vehicles each year, decreasing the rate from 27.5 percent to 10 percent.
Both nations have also come to an agreement regarding reciprocal market access for beef, allowing UK farmers a tariff-free quota of 13,000 tonnes. Importantly, there will be no reduction in UK food standards for imports.
Moreover, the UK will lift tariffs on American ethanol imports.
Starmer stated that the tariff reductions will be implemented "as soon as possible."
Describing the announcement as a "fantastic, historic" day, Starmer made remarks while connecting with U.S. President Donald Trump during a phone briefing from the Oval Office.
In contrast, the domestic response has not been uniformly supportive. Local media highlighted that the 10-percent tariff introduced by Trump in early April remains in effect for most other UK goods exported to the U.S.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK's Conservative Party, criticized the deal via social media, asserting, "We cut our tariffs – America tripled theirs. Keir Starmer called this 'historic.' It's not historic, we've just been shafted!"
Echoing these concerns, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey cautioned that the agreement does not adequately protect British industries. He remarked, "Even after today's deal, Trump's terrible tariffs will still be hitting British jobs and businesses hard. The only way we will end Trump's damaging trade war is by standing tough with our allies across Europe and the Commonwealth," he stated on X.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
During a press conference on Thursday, Starmer shared details about the agreement, which aims to lower tariffs on several products, including steel and automobiles.
The terms of the deal will see tariffs on British steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. eliminated. Additionally, the U.S. will reduce tariffs on up to 100,000 British-made vehicles each year, decreasing the rate from 27.5 percent to 10 percent.
Both nations have also come to an agreement regarding reciprocal market access for beef, allowing UK farmers a tariff-free quota of 13,000 tonnes. Importantly, there will be no reduction in UK food standards for imports.
Moreover, the UK will lift tariffs on American ethanol imports.
Starmer stated that the tariff reductions will be implemented "as soon as possible."
Describing the announcement as a "fantastic, historic" day, Starmer made remarks while connecting with U.S. President Donald Trump during a phone briefing from the Oval Office.
In contrast, the domestic response has not been uniformly supportive. Local media highlighted that the 10-percent tariff introduced by Trump in early April remains in effect for most other UK goods exported to the U.S.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK's Conservative Party, criticized the deal via social media, asserting, "We cut our tariffs – America tripled theirs. Keir Starmer called this 'historic.' It's not historic, we've just been shafted!"
Echoing these concerns, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey cautioned that the agreement does not adequately protect British industries. He remarked, "Even after today's deal, Trump's terrible tariffs will still be hitting British jobs and businesses hard. The only way we will end Trump's damaging trade war is by standing tough with our allies across Europe and the Commonwealth," he stated on X.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
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