Downing Street has insisted Donald Trump can be trusted despite sparking fears of global trade war and imposing massive tariffs on Canada.
Over the weekend the erratic US President announced 25% trade taxes on goods coming from America’s nearest neighbours and largest trade partners – Canada and Mexico.
And just hours ago he threatened to impose tariffs on more countries – including the UK.
In comments overnight Trump said tariffs will “definitely” be placed on goods from the EU, saying America’s trade deficit with the bloc is “an atrocity” that means “they take almost nothing and we take everything from them”.
He claimed the UK is “out of line” when he was asked about slapping tariffs on Britain. But he suggested the situation “can be worked out” with Mr Starmer, who he called “very nice”.
Be the first with news from Mirror Politics
BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here – Lizzy Buchan, Jason Beattie, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke, Ashley Cowburn, Mikey Smith
POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror’s Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox.
PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday.
Asked whether the US President could be trusted, the PM’s official spokesman said on Monday: “Yes, the PM has had a really constructive set of early conversations with President Trump and looks forward to working with him to deepen our trade and investment, security and defence relationship.”
Pressed on whether they were confident the UK could avoid tariffs, they said the UK was committed to “free and open trade”.
But they declined to be drawn on Trump’s controversial decision to impose tariffs on Canada, saying they would not comment on other countries’ relationships with the US.