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Brexit “saved” the UK from Donald Trump’s trade war nightmare, a top Tory has claimed.
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith hailed the UK’s departure from the European Union after the 47th President slapped tariffs on nations around the world.
The UK was hit with a 10 per cent levy, significantly lower than the 20 per cent now facing the Brussels bloc and 34 per cent whacked on China.
In a lengthy social media thread, Griffith said: “US tariffs are disappointing news which will worry working families across the country. But our Brexit freedoms have saved us from the worst.”
He added: “The silver lining is that Brexit – which Labour ministers voted against 48 times – means we face far lower tariffs than the EU: a Brexit dividend protecting thousands of British jobs and businesses.”
Sir Keir Starmer could now look to take advantage of the UK’s freedoms outside the EU to forge closer trade relations with the US.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers. That’s why, throughout the last few weeks, the Government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship.”
A Downing Street source also said the lower levies for the UK “vindicates our approach” after weeks of intensive diplomacy by Starmer and his Labour colleagues.
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Nigel Farage confirms Reform will stand ‘full slate’ in 2025 Local Elections
Nigel Farage has announced Reform UK will stand a “full slate” of candidates in the upcoming 2025 Local Elections.
The Reform UK leader, who returned to frontline politics just weeks before the 2024 General Election, spoke after nomination papers were submitted for 1,638 candidates.
Commenting on this major milestone for the party, Nigel Farage said: “I said the day after the general election last year that my mission was to professionalise the party.
“Since that day we have formed 400 branches, increased our membership to 221,000 and now have a full slate of candidates for the elections on May 1st.
“I am immensely proud of our small, professional team and our wonderful volunteers all over the country. This is a very good day for Reform UK.”
The achievement comes just one year after the populist party only managed to field candidates to cover 12 per cent of wards in the 2024 Local Elections.