Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, recently spoke to ITV’s Robert Peston about the current global economic turmoil and the UK’s relationship with the US. In the midst of escalating trade tensions between the two countries, Starmer warned that simply securing any trade deal with the US is not enough and that the UK must take a more proactive and strategic approach.
The conversation between Starmer and Peston revolved around the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to impose global tariffs on foreign goods. While the UK was hit with a 10% tax on its imports, it also faced an additional 25% levy on cars and steel products. Despite this, the Labour government has refrained from publicly condemning the move by the White House.
Starmer, who is hoping to secure a trade deal with the US before May 1, emphasized the need for the UK to secure exemptions to the tariffs in exchange for some British concessions. However, he also warned that if a deal is not reached by the end of the month, he may consider issuing reciprocal tariffs on the US.
When asked by Peston about his goals in the midst of this tariff chaos, Starmer replied, “Simply thinking that any change in the rates or any deals is going to be enough, to my mind is wrong.” He went on to explain that just as the UK has recognized the need for change in areas such as defense and security, it must also adapt and act differently in terms of trade and the economy.
While acknowledging that the current global economic situation is not a passing phase, Starmer refused to publicly call on Trump to reduce the 104% levy on China. He stated, “I’m not going to engage in diplomacy through the media, but I mean I’ve been clear that throughout that a trade war is in nobody’s interest.”
Peston pressed further, pointing out the negative impact of Trump’s economic policies on both the US and the UK. He asked Starmer if he would urge Trump to change course, to which Starmer replied that he would continue to focus on “turbocharging” the UK economy and talking to other world leaders about lowering trade barriers.
Despite the growing pressure on the struggling British economy, Starmer remained firm on Labour’s fiscal rules, which include not borrowing for day-to-day spending. He stated that these rules are “foundational to the stability that we brought to our economy” and that the party will continue to adhere to them.
When asked about the possibility of public spending cuts or tax increases in the future, Starmer rejected the notion that it is inevitable. He stated, “I don’t accept the proposition that it’s inevitable things will happen in six months’ time.” He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and pragmatic, while also working towards finding solutions to mitigate the current trade situation.
In conclusion, Starmer’s conversation with Peston highlighted the need for a strategic and proactive approach in dealing with the current trade tensions between the UK and the US. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and pragmatic, while also working towards finding solutions to mitigate the current trade situation. Despite the challenges, Starmer remains committed to supporting the British economy and maintaining a strong relationship with the US.
