Starmer reiterates free trade in first post-tariffs US call

Sir Keir Starmer has held his first conversation with Donald Trump since the US president announced tariffs on all UK imports to America on 3 April.

- JABED AHMED

A Downing Street spokesperson said the two leaders discussed the ongoing and productive discussions” on trade between the UK and the United States.

The pair also discussed the war in Ukraine, Iran and recent action taken against the Houthis in Yemen.

“The prime minister reiterated his commitment to free and open trade and the importance of protecting the national interest,” Sir Keir’s spokesperson said.

It is the first time the two leaders have spoken since Mr Trump unveiled an array of tariffs on countries earlier this month, in what he branded “liberation day”.

This included a 10 per cent tariff on all UK goods imported to the US. A 25 per cent levy on car imports announced earlier by Mr Trump also applies to the UK.