UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the UK is “not choosing between the US and the EU” after President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European goods.

According to the BBC, Trump announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico over the weekend, though these have since been paused.

He also suggested tariffs on the EU could happen soon but hinted a deal with the UK might be possible. Starmer, speaking at a press conference in Brussels, said both relationships with the US and the EU are important for the UK and that he supports “open and strong trading relations.”

Starmer’s visit to Brussels marks the first time a UK prime minister has attended EU talks since Brexit. He met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU leaders to discuss defence and security cooperation.

Rutte said there are “always issues between allies” but stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine and increasing defence spending. Starmer confirmed the UK spends 2.3% of its GDP on defence and plans to raise this to 2.5%.

The BBC highlights that Starmer’s trip is part of his effort to “reset” UK-EU relations, particularly in areas like trade. However, balancing closer ties with the EU while maintaining a strong relationship with the US could be tricky.

Trump’s tariffs have already caused stock markets in Europe and Asia to fall, with car manufacturers hit hardest. While the UK was less affected, experts warn that a 20% US tariff on all imports could cost the UK £22 billion in exports.

Trump believes tariffs will boost the US economy and protect jobs, but economists say they could lead to higher prices for consumers. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said tariffs on Mexico were delayed after agreeing to send 10,000 troops to tackle drug trafficking.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also confirmed a 30-day pause on tariffs while negotiations continue.

The EU has warned it will “respond firmly” if unfairly targeted by US tariffs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU wants a constructive dialogue with the US but is ready to defend its interests.

French President Emmanuel Macron added that the EU must “make itself respected” if attacked. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said trade wars have “no winners” and could benefit China.

Starmer’s government is also exploring closer ties with the EU on trade, including easier movement of food and animal products, cooperation on emissions trading, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

The EU has proposed a youth mobility scheme to make it easier for young people to study and work across borders, but the UK has rejected this idea. The UK has not ruled out joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention, which allows tariff-free trade on some goods.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of trying to “reopen the divisions of the past” by moving closer to the EU.

In contrast, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged the UK to negotiate a new customs union with the EU and called Trump a “playground bully.”

For now, Starmer is focused on strengthening ties with both the US and the EU, but the challenge of balancing these relationships remains.

The BBC notes that while Starmer’s efforts aim to reset UK-EU relations, the threat of US tariffs adds uncertainty to global trade.

Credit : BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3e1wnvkzeyo

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