Farage tells Starmer to mend fences with Trump to avoid tariffs and boost trade

BRITAIN can escape US trade tariffs that threaten to clobber British industry but Sir Keir Starmer must mend fences with Donald Trump without delay, according to Nigel Farage.

- DAVID WILLIAMSON

The Reform UK leader - who has a longstanding friendship with the incoming US President said the Prime Minister faces a stark choice between delivering on the promise of Brexit and striking a transatlantic trade deal or signing up to the diktats of the European Union.

Mr Farage said it is "essential" that Mr Trump is invited to the UK for a state visit in the year ahead and warned against choosing an ambassador to the US who will be anathema to the president.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will this week announce the launch of a charm offensive designed to persuade Mr Trump not to impose trade tariffs on the UK.

She will vow to make the case for free trade when she delivers annual the Chancellor's Mansion House speech to the financial sector on Thursday.

Mr Farage's intervention comes amid fears Mr Trump will slap tariffs of 10 to 20 per cent on all US imports. Britain exported goods worth £58.3billion to the US in the 12 months to August.

Summing up the choice for Sir Keir, Mr Farage told the Sunday Express: "Starmer is going to have the big dilemma over trade negotiations. Does he act in the British national interest for Brexit and negotiate a deal or does he let the EU dictate policy, because the Trump tariff regime is coming but we can avoid it.