BREXIT BRITAIN ESCAPES WORST OF TRUMP TARIFFS PAIN

DONALD Trump hit Britain with 10% tariffs as he triggered a global trade war last night.

- Martyn Brown

But the EU faces a 20% levy, suggesting Brexit saved us from worse. During his "Liberation Day" speech, Mr Trump confirmed the UK and the rest of the world would face massive levies which he claims will restore fairness across the planet.

He also imposed a 34% trade tariff on China, 46% on Vietnam and confirmed there would be a 25% levy on all foreign-made cars - which could severely damage our motor industry.

Britain's 10% charge on exports to the US are less than feared but still likely to hammer businesses.

The Federation of Small Businesses warned it would deal a "major blow" to small and medium businesses, as 59% of small UK exporters currently sell into the US market.

Tina McKenzie, of the FSB, said "Tariffs will cause untold damage to small businesses trying to trade their way into profit while the domestic economy remains flat.

"The fallout will stifle growth, hurt opportunities, and put a serious dent in the global economy." Sir Keir Starmer has already acknowledged his desperate efforts to secure a tariff exemption have been snubbed.