UK faces Trump’s 10% tariff with cool heads and National interest at heart, says Starmer

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with business leaders on Thursday morning in Downing Street

London, April 3, 2025 – UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed business leaders in Downing Street today, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping global tariffs, including a 10% levy on British exports to the United States.

The tariffs, unveiled yesterday as part of what Trump dubbed “Liberation Day,” mark a significant escalation in global trade tensions, prompting Starmer to pledge a steadfast defense of Britain’s national interest with a “cool and calm” approach.

Speaking to industry chiefs, including representatives from major firms like AstraZeneca, BAE Systems, and Jaguar Land Rover, Starmer acknowledged the economic fallout from Trump’s decision.

“Clearly, there will be an economic impact from the decisions the US has taken, both here and globally,” he said. However, he emphasized the UK’s preparedness, stating, “We are prepared. Indeed, one of the great strengths of this nation is our ability to keep a cool head.”

U.S. President Donald Trump announcing global tariffs on Wednesday from the White House

The Prime Minister framed the tariff announcement as a reflection of Trump acting within his mandate for the U.S., adding, “Last night, the President of the United States acted for his country. That is his mandate. Today, I will act in Britain’s interests, with mine.”

He underscored that his government’s decisions in the coming days and weeks would be guided solely by the UK’s national interest—supporting the economy, businesses, and the financial security of working people. “Nothing else will guide me. That is my focus,” he declared.

Starmer’s remarks come as the UK braces for the impact of the 10% tariff, which, while lower than the 20% imposed on the European Union and 34% on China, still threatens billions in lost economic growth and potential job losses. Unlike the EU and Canada, which have swiftly announced retaliatory measures, the UK has so far refrained from immediate counter-tariffs, opting instead to pursue a negotiated solution.

U.S. President Donald Trump signing off on global tariffs on Wednesday from the White House

“Nobody wins in a trade war. That is not in our national interest,” Starmer said, highlighting the “fair and balanced trade relationship” with the U.S., a market that absorbs over £60 billion in British goods annually.

Negotiations for an “economic prosperity deal” with the U.S. remain ongoing, with Starmer vowing to “fight for the best deal for Britain.” However, he was unequivocal that any agreement must serve the UK’s interests and protect “the pound in their pocket that [working people] work so hard to earn for their family.”

He added, “I will only strike a deal if it is in the national interest and if it is the right thing to do for the security of working people.”

While the government’s priority is to secure a deal, Starmer made clear that “nothing is off the table,” signaling that retaliatory measures could be considered if talks falter.

“We have a range of levers at our disposal, and we will continue our work with businesses across the country to understand their assessment of these options,” he said. This pragmatic stance has drawn both praise and criticism, with some opposition figures, including Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, urging a tougher response akin to the EU’s “robust” counter-tariffs.

Starmer also framed the tariffs as a symptom of a broader shift in global dynamics. “We have to understand that just as with defence and security, so too for the economy and trade we are living in a changing world, entering a new era,” he said.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with business leaders on Thursday morning in Downing Street

To meet this challenge, he has instructed his team to accelerate economic reforms aimed at bolstering resilience, promising to “do everything necessary to defend the UK’s national interest” and provide “the foundation of security that working people need.”

The Prime Minister’s measured tone reflects a strategy of avoiding knee-jerk reactions, a principle he reiterated from his first speech as leader. “That is how I govern. That is how we have planned, and that is exactly what is required today,” he said.

As the UK navigates this new trade landscape, Starmer’s commitment to pragmatism and collaboration with businesses will be tested, with the nation watching closely to see if his cool-headed approach can mitigate the economic storm ahead.