PM: No one wins a trade war...we'll fight for the best deal for Britain

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.

- Jonathan Walker

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

Sir Keir Starmer insisted a trade war "is bad for working people and bad for our businesses", 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." Meanwhile, business leaders urged the Government to avoid tit-for-tat charges.

At No 10 yesterday, Sir Keir told them: "Clearly, there will be an economic impact from the decisions the US has taken both here and globally. But I want to be crystal clear we are prepared." The PM highlighted progress on a potential US-UK trade deal, which had initially focused on technology and artificial intelligence. But it now appears to have grown into a wide-ranging agreement that could see US tariffs reduced or eliminated.