The UK is prepared for all potential outcomes regarding impending US tariffs, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has maintained that no response is off the table ahead of Donald Trump’s so-called “liberation day,” which may incite a global trade conflict. Addressing MPs during prime minister’s questions, Starmer was challenged by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, to which he responded that all options are being weighed but that he will avoid impulsive decisions.

Starmer articulated to the House of Commons, “We are clear that trade war is in nobody’s interest, and our approach will be calm, practical, and in the country’s best interest.” He emphasized ongoing constructive talks to reach a broader economic prosperity agreement with the US, as well as collaboration with all affected industries. “Our decisions will always be made with national interests in mind,” Starmer added, “and that’s why we have prepared for any possible scenarios, without ruling anything out.”

Badenoch criticized the Labour government for not yet securing a wider US trade deal that could potentially avoid tariffs. Starmer negated the accusation, stressing the importance of a measured response at such times. He also dismissed Lib Dem leader Ed Davey’s suggestion to form an “economic coalition of the willing” in response to US tariffs, viewing it as an effort to force a decision between the US relationship and ties with other countries, particularly in Europe.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated earlier that the government is considering every possible outcome for the tariffs and their potential impact on the UK economy. “This will be a very difficult period,” she acknowledged on BBC Breakfast, “but we are still in negotiations with the US about securing an economic agreement. We will always act in the national interest and the interest of the British people.”

Phillipson further commented that the public and businesses want a calm, pragmatic approach to avoid a trade war with the US. “The last thing anyone wants is for this to escalate into a trade war,” she emphasized.

Since coming into power, Trump has unsettled global stock markets and caused unease among business leaders by announcing and then postponing plans to levy tariffs on foreign imports. These threats have strained relations between the US and its top trading partners. The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has denounced the tariffs as “unjustified” and pledged a strong response, while the EU has declared its readiness to reciprocate strongly.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/apr/02/trump-tariffs-uk-prepared-keir-starmer-pmqs