UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday declared that the United Kingdom is prepared to build primary state action to protect American industries from the shockwaves of broad tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Starmer said the world had entered a new era where the “old beliefs can no longer get taken for granted” following the United States ‘ decision to slap 10 percent tariffs on UK products.
” The earth as we knew it has gone”, Starmer wrote, warning that the emerging world surroundings will be shaped less by laws and more by talks and geopolitical alliances.
” It demands the best of European values — great eyes, rationality and a clear knowledge of our national curiosity”, he added.
While affirming that “nobody wins from a business war”, Starmer said his administration’s quick approach was” to stay calm and struggle for the best deal”. But, he also made clear that a UK-US business deal would only be pursued “if it is best for American company”.
” All options remain on the table”, he said in reference to potential responses to Washington’s move.
The economic fallout from the tariffs was already visible by the weekend. British automaker Jaguar Land Rover announced Saturday that it would “pause” all vehicle shipments to the US market in April as it evaluated” the new trading terms”.
In light of the shifting global trade dynamics, Starmer signalled a policy pivot toward more assertive government action, promising enhanced support for domestic industries.
” This week we will turbocharge plans that will improve our domestic competitiveness”, he wrote, hinting at an upcoming industrial strategy package.
” We stand ready to use industrial policy to help shelter British business from the storm. Some people may feel uncomfortable about this… but we simply cannot cling on to old sentiments when the world is turning this fast”, he said.
