Trump Tariffs Prompt UK Call for Restraint

The UK government has called for restraint and pragmatism in response to sweeping new U.S. import tariffs expected to be announced by President Donald Trump today. The tariffs, targeting a wide range of goods and industries, have raised fears of a renewed global trade war, with British exports squarely in the firing line.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said this morning that while the government is bracing for a difficult period, it would not resort to “kneejerk reactions” that could escalate tensions with Washington. She insisted that the UK remains committed to diplomacy, emphasizing that all actions will be guided by the national interest.

The expected tariffs include a blanket 20% import charge and a targeted 25% levy on foreign-made cars. The automotive sector is particularly exposed: last year alone, the UK exported more than 100,000 vehicles to the U.S., worth an estimated £7.6 billion. Industry analysts have warned that up to 25,000 British jobs could be at risk if the new charges are enforced.

Government officials have also expressed concern that broader tariffs on industrial goods, tech hardware, and medical equipment could significantly disrupt UK supply chains and hamper economic recovery. The Office for Budget Responsibility has suggested the impact could reduce UK GDP growth and eat into the fiscal headroom Chancellor Rachel Reeves had carved out in the spring budget.

In a notable diplomatic effort to avert the tariffs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has offered to slash digital services taxes for major U.S. tech firms operating in the UK, including Apple, Amazon, and Google. The move is designed to encourage a de-escalation from the White House while preserving key economic ties.

However, early indications from Washington suggest the U.S. administration is unlikely to back down. White House officials confirmed that the tariffs will take effect immediately, with no country-specific exemptions.

Despite the hardline stance from the U.S., Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the government remains hopeful that the measures could be reversed if progress is made toward a bilateral economic agreement. He noted that discussions are ongoing and that both countries have an interest in maintaining a healthy trade relationship.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the UK to join international partners in pushing back. Canada and the European Union are reportedly preparing retaliatory tariffs of their own, prompting some opposition MPs to urge the government not to appear passive on the global stage.

For now, Downing Street is focused on preventing further escalation. With markets already showing signs of volatility and business groups sounding alarms, the government is walking a fine line — balancing diplomacy with defense of British economic interests.

As Parliament reconvenes for further debate later this week, all eyes will be on Starmer’s next move. The stakes are high: the wrong step could deepen transatlantic rifts and rattle investor confidence at a time when stability is badly needed.