Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has faced a GB News grilling from Ellie Costello as Britons anxiously await Donald Trump's tariff announcement which could send prices spiralling and even tip the UK into a recession.
The US President is set to unveil sweeping new tariffs this evening from the White House Rose Garden, in what he has dubbed "Liberation Day".
Speaking to Phillipson on GB News this morning, Ellie said: "We're expecting an announcement from President Trump on these tariffs.
"We're told about this 11th hour bid by the government to halt a trade war, a special carve out for the United Kingdom. Where are we at with that deal with the US?"
The Education Secretary responded: "We're working really hard to secure the best possible deal that's in Britain's national interest.
Ellie Costello questioned why the government are not prepared
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"Jonathan Reynolds, our Business Secretary, has been involved in intensive talks in recent weeks and months with a view to securing that deal.
"We are in a good position to do so, but we are prepared for any eventuality that arises and all options do have to remain on the table.
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"The last thing that any of us would want is a trade war with the US, but we do have to reserve our position in this matter."
Ellie pressed: "Why were you not more prepared for this? You've had nine months to prepare for these tariffs being slapped on by President Trump.
"He's always been vocal about it, he slapped tariffs on steel in his first term, you knew this was coming down the track. Why is it coming at the 11th hour?"
Phillipson said: "We're in a really strong position to get a deal and those discussions are still underway. I think we're in the strongest position of any country to try and secure that. But of course the US have to be a part of that negotiation.
"President Donald Trump will, of course, be seeking to do what he believes is right by his nation, as we are doing and getting the best possible deal for the British people."
Trump has kept world leaders guessing about which countries will be targeted and at what rates, though US media has reported he may be considering across-the-board tariffs of around 20 percent.
The White House confirmed the tariffs would take effect "immediately" after the announcement, leaving no time for foreign leaders to negotiate exemptions beforehand.
Trump has promised to be "very kind" with the measures.
Donald Trump will make his announcement this evening
GB NewsKeir Starmer has already spoken with Trump about "productive negotiations" towards a UK-US trade deal.
Critics warn that Trump's strategy risks triggering a global trade war, with major economies preparing retaliatory measures.
The European Union also said on Tuesday that it still hopes to negotiate a solution but that "all instruments are on the table" to retaliate if necessary.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated: "We are going to be very deliberate in terms of the measures we take, to fight for Canada."
