Gordon Brown has called for the formation of an “economic coalition of the willing” in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs. He suggests implementing coordinated economic policies, including reducing interest rates.

Brown, the former prime minister, also believes that the UK should strengthen its ties with the EU. He argues that collaboration should go beyond removing post-Brexit trade barriers and be even more extensive.

His call comes amid China’s announcement of new tariffs of 84% on imports of all US goods, which led to a decline in stock markets. Keir Starmer expressed a negative tone regarding the idea of reducing all new tariff barriers with the US.

Brown, who remains close to the prime minister, emphasized the need for collective action from world leaders. He stated that there is a simultaneous breakdown in both economic and geopolitical orders.

In his article in The Guardian, Brown draws lessons from the 2008 financial crash and proposes measures such as extended credit to firms, lowering interest rates, and mobilizing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to protect poorer nations affected by tariffs.

Brown argues for the creation of an economic coalition of like-minded global leaders who believe in coordinating economic policies across continents to safeguard jobs and living standards. He emphasizes that global problems require globally coordinated solutions.

Brown criticizes Trump, stating that the world is being brought to its knees by one economy, which represents 96% of the population and produces 84% of the world’s manufactured goods.

Brown suggests offering extended credit to exporting and importing firms as a solution to the trade collapse experienced during the financial crisis.

He also warns about the threat of declining consumer confidence and business investment, suggesting the need for synchronized interest rate cuts and fiscal activism in countries with the capacity to expand.

Brown urges world leaders to be cautious of China’s position and reminds Beijing that it is in their interest to focus on expanding domestic consumption rather than flooding the world’s markets with cheap goods that can no longer be sold in the US.

The former chancellor emphasizes the importance of working closely with the EU to rebuild better in the UK. Among his suggestions is the establishment of a Europe-wide special-purpose defense and security fund.

Brown says that the world’s economy is at a moment of great peril, with both the multilateral economic system and the rules-based order under

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/10/gordon-brown-calls-for-economic-coalition-of-the-willing-to-tackle-trump-tariffs