Keir Starmer says his government assessing tariff implications but assures British steelworkers interest will be a priority
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday defended the country's economic interests in response to a proposed 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports announced by US President Donald Trump.
During Prime Minister's Questions at the House of Commons, Northern Irish lawmaker Sorcha Eastwood pressed Starmer on whether he would stand by British steelworkers as the US prepares to impose the tariffs.
"The US and UK share a strong trading relationship. We invest hugely in each other's economies, and we will continue to work with Donald Trump to increase growth and create jobs," Starmer said.
"We will always act in the best interests of businesses and working people across the UK, including Northern Ireland."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey then invoked the historical alliance formed between Britain, Canada, and the UN during World War II.
"80 years on, President Trump seems to have forgotten all this," Davey said, arguing that the tariffs "will hit Canada the hardest and will also hit jobs and the cost of living in the UK."
He urged Starmer to consider retaliatory measures, asking if he would "prepare a plan for tariffs in return, starting with tariffs on American electric cars."
Starmer acknowledged the significance of Britain's longstanding ties with the US and the importance of UK industry.
"The Lib Dem leader is right to reference our history and the 80-year history," he said. "That is amongst the reasons we have a special relationship."
On the tariffs, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to UK steelworkers.
"British steel is an essential part of our heartlands, and we will not abandon our workforce," he said. He added that the government was conducting a "level-headed assessment of the implications" of the tariffs but stressed that it would "always put our national interest first and steelworkers first."
The proposed tariffs have sparked concerns across the UK's steel industry, which has been challenged by global competition and energy costs.
Starmer's remarks suggest that his government will seek diplomatic solutions while keeping the door open to potential countermeasures.
