'Back our motor industry' plea as job losses loom with tariffs stalling sales

BRITAIN was last night ready to strike back against the US unless a trade deal scrapping Donald Trump's new tariffs is agreed within weeks.

- By Jonathan Walker Whitehall Editor

The Prime Minister yesterday vowed to remain "cool and calm" after the US president slapped charges of 10% on imports from the US on Wednesday.

Sir Keir Starmer insisted a trade war "is bad for working people and bad for our business", but also warned: "Nothing is off the table". The PM's comments came as the Government asked industry chiefs for their views on possible retaliatory tariffs by the UK - which could hit key US products such as Bourbon whisky, motorcycles, guitars and jeans.

The consultation with bosses runs until May 1, but Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the threat of charges on US imports would be lifted if the White House agreed a trade deal before then.

He said: "If we are in a position to agree an economic deal with the US that lifts the tariffs, this request for input will be paused and any measures flowing from that will be lifted."