**London**: Sir Keir Starmer is in urgent negotiations with the White House seeking exemption for UK steel and aluminium from new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, as concerns rise over the impact on British industry amidst ongoing discussions of an economic agreement and implications for both nations’ trade relations.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is currently engaged in urgent negotiations with the White House to secure an exemption for British steel and aluminium from recently imposed tariffs. This development follows an announcement from the Trump administration on Wednesday, which instituted a 25 per cent tariff on these imports, indicating that efforts to persuade the United States to reconsider this decision have proved unsuccessful.
In response to the US tariffs, which have prompted similar countermeasures from the European Union against American goods, the UK government has opted not to retaliate immediately. Instead, British officials are actively collaborating with their US counterparts to forge an economic agreement that would grant Britain relief from these tariffs. Speaking to Members of Parliament, Business Minister Sarah Jones confirmed the ongoing dialogue, remarking that Secretary of State for Business Jonathan Reynolds is “standing up” for British industry.
Prime Minister Starmer expressed disappointment over the tariff imposition but reassured MPs during Prime Minister’s Questions that “all options are on the table” for responding. He stressed that the UK is in the midst of negotiating an economic deal which would include discussions on tariffs, should they succeed in reaching an agreement.
Conversations between UK and US trade teams have reportedly commenced, and Secretary Reynolds is set to travel to Washington next week to intensify these negotiations. There exists optimism that a deal can be achieved swiftly, especially with the looming deadline of April 1, when the US is expected to impose broader tariffs on imports from nations that enforce value-added tax (VAT) on American goods, including the UK.
However, challenges persist. Sources within the Trump administration indicate that while a “quick trade deal” could be feasible, discussions concerning free speech, highlighted by Vice-President JD Vance during conversations with Starmer, pose potential roadblocks. Vance reportedly prioritises this issue due to escalating tensions surrounding social media regulations and online safety laws affecting US tech companies.
As the dialogue unfolds, the urgency is palpable within Whitehall, where officials are working against the clock in what has been dubbed “World Tariff Day” to finalise an agreement and safeguard the UK’s economic interests. Meanwhile, sentiments from the industry reflect concern. Gareth Stace, director-general of the trade association UK Steel, expressed profound disappointment regarding the Trump administration’s tariff decision, urging the UK government to execute “decisive action” to protect the steel sector.
Call for protective measures is echoed by Sharon Graham, the general secretary of the Unite union, who has demanded that steel be classified as critical national infrastructure to ensure its protection. Additionally, the steelworkers’ union Community has asserted that the UK must at least match any actions taken in response to the tariffs by the European Union.
As the situation develops, the outcomes of these negotiations may significantly impact both the British steel industry and the broader economic relationship between the UK and the United States.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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