Starmer 'too slow' to protect Britain from Trump's global trade tariffs

THE Prime Minister was yesterday accused of being too slow in his efforts to prevent Britain being clobbered by Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

- By Martyn Brown

Fears are intensifying that the US president will hit the UK - along with other countries - with a massive 20% levy this week.

Global stock markets have plummeted as so-called "Liberation Day" approaches tomorrow.

Mr Trump has also announced a 25% import tax on all cars shipped to the US, a measure expected to hit British luxury brand makers such as Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin.

This is on top of tariffs set to come into effect tomorrow, which could include a general tax on UK products in response to the 20% rate of VAT.

The prospect of a trade war triggering a recession has been causing nearpanic on stock markets with the FTSE 100 dropping more than 1%.

Sir Keir Starmer has been trying to negotiate an exemption for the UK with a wider deal, arguing that trade between the two countries is already balanced.

However, he has already failed to head off tariffs on steel and ministers seem increasingly resigned to Britain being included.

Downing Street yesterday said talks are expected to continue beyond tomorrow.