'Nothing is off the table!' Labour warns 'we will not hesitate to act' as UK hit with 10% tariff

'No-one will escape the fallout!' British Chambers of Commerce issues dire warning as 'no winners' emerge after Trump tariffs

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, has said Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs is a “lose-lose situation for everyone”.

She said: “The Government has kept a cool head so far and must continue to negotiate. This is a marathon not a sprint, and getting the best deal for the UK is what matters most.

“But no-one will escape the fallout from these decisions, there will be an increased risk of trade diversion, and it will wreak havoc on businesses communities across the world. Orders will drop, prices will rise, and global economic demand will be weaker as a result. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone.

“So, it is vitally important that the government does not give up on negotiations. Tariffs can be lifted at any time and the US has signalled its willingness to do some form of deal with us.

“The UK is not without influence, our bilateral trade with the US is worth £300billion, we have £500billion invested there and it has £700billion tied up in our economy. There is a high-level of co-dependency and we are speaking to businesses across the UK on options for Government to consider.

“There are no winners in the current scenario, negotiations will take time and will inevitably involve compromise. Any decisions on taxes will need to be taken very carefully, and the government must consider all its fiscal options. It should keep everything on the table during talks, but retaliatory tariffs should only be a last resort.

“Many firms, especially SMEs, will now be facing difficult decisions and we urge government to do all it can to provide practical support to them.”

RECAP: Britain prepares for tariffs

Britain is listening in as Donald Trump unveils his so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs.

Trump has rolled out a range of levies on US trading partners around the world - with Britain subjected to a 10 per cent export levy, the lowest of any country.

Earlier today, "jittery" stock markets across Europe steeled themselves for the looming tariff hikes - the FTSE 100 weakened, with housebuilders among the day's biggest fallers.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets for Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Nervousness about incoming wave of US tariffs has kept the FTSE 100 in the red, as investors assess the UK vulnerability and the knock-on effects for the global economy.

"The S&P 500 also opened on the back foot - but has clawed back some ground. There won't be quick retaliation from the UK, with the Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlining his determination to take a pragmatic approach, but this will leave sectors like car manufacturing exposed to the ratcheting up of duties."

That was followed by Rachel Reeves's vow that the UK would not jeopardise the possibility of an economic deal with the US by "posturing" in response to the levies.

Ed Davey rails against Trump 'trade war' as he calls for RETALIATION

Responding to Donald Trump's tariff announcements, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey said: "Today, Donald Trump has launched a destructive trade war that threatens the jobs and living standards of people across the UK and around the world.

"We need to end this trade war as quickly as possible - and that means standing firm with our allies against Trump's attempts to divide and rule.

"The Prime Minister should bring our Commonwealth and European partners together in a coalition of the willing against Trump's tariffs, using retaliatory tariffs where necessary and signing new trade deals with each other where possible.

"If the Government gives in to Trump's threats, it will only encourage him to use the same bullying tactics again and again."

'British workers will pay the price,' warns Shadow Business Secretary - but he praises Brexit 'silver lining'

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has led the Tory reaction to this evening's tariff rollout.

A statement reads: "This is disappointing news which will worry working families across the country.

"Labour failed to negotiate with President Trump's team for too many months after the election, failed to keep our experienced top trade negotiator, and failed to get a deal to avoid the imposition of these tariffs by our closest trading partner.

"The Chancellor's emergency Budget of just a week ago with its inadequate headroom is now at risk, casting uncertainty about more taxes or spending cuts. Sadly, it is British businesses and workers who will pay the price for Labour's failure.

"The silver lining is that Brexit - which Labour ministers voted against no fewer than 48 times - means that we face far lower tariffs than the EU: a Brexit dividend that will have protected thousands of British jobs and businesses.

"President Trump is an admirer of Britain and our negotiations in Government showed he wants to do a deal. Labour must swallow their pride, put Britain first and get back round the negotiating table to agree a fair deal to protect jobs and consumers in both the UK and the US alike."

UK dodges worst tariffs - but economists warn growth will FLATLINE under Trump's levies

Before Donald Trump unveiled his tariffs, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr) estimated that blanket 10 per cent levies would force UK growth to "fall to zero next year".

Though the President stopped short of a 20 per cent blanket rate, Niesr's Ahmet Kaya said earlier: "If the UK faces higher tariffs than 10 per cent, we could risk entering a recession either this year or next."

Brexit VICTORY as Britain handed 50 per cent tariff discount vs EU

While Britain has been handed a 10 per cent tariff on exports to the US, the EU has been hit with a 20 per cent levy.

Months ago, Nigel Farage had said Britain could side-step Trump's barrage of European tariffs entirely - but with conditions.

"We're in a very good position to negotiate our own way out not just of tariffs, but to move quite quickly onto some sectoral free trade negotiations," the Reform leader said.

"Trump's personal instinct on trade with the UK, I can tell you first-hand, has always been positive," he added.

ANALYSIS: The Brexit victory EVERYONE is talking about... they just don't know it yet - READ IN FULL HERE

'Vindicated!' Downing Street source vows to 'keep cool and calm' - reports

A Downing Street source has said that Donald Trump's 10 per cent tariff on the UK "vindicates our approach".

Though the levy is "not what we want", [that they are] lower than others vindicates our approach," the source said.

"This is important because the difference between 20 per cent and 10 per cent is lots of jobs. We will keep negotiating, keep cool and calm.

"We want to negotiate a sustainable trade deal, and of course want to get tariffs lowered. Tomorrow, we will continue with that work."

'Britain will get the inflation, with no offsets' - Reform UK's Zia Yusuf

Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf has become one of the first big names in British politics to react to this evening's announcement.

"Trump's tariffs will drive big inflation in the US, but they are also cutting Government spending dramatically and plan to eliminate income tax to offset the impact on US consumers," he said.

"Historically, inflation in the UK and EU are highly correlated to the US. Except, far from eliminating taxes, Labour is increasing them. Far from cutting Government spending, Labour is increasing it.

"Britain will get the inflation, with no offsets. The risk of a fiscal event in the UK just got much, much more real. This country urgently needs competent leadership."

Dollar tumbles against pound as Trump declares tariff war

The US dollar has dropped around 0.8 per cent against the pound as Donald Trump continues his mass rollout of tariffs.

It comes as analysts urge calm - the Institute of Economic Affairs's Reem Ibrahim says: "This does not mean we should retaliate. We should pursue a policy of unilateral free trade and ignore what other countries do.

"Just because other countries implement bad economic policy, doesn't mean we should. The main benefit of free trade IS imports. We should embrace cheaper imports wherever we can."

That drew the praise of ex-Cabinet Office Minister Steve Baker. "So sound," he replied on social media.

Trump unveils 'reciprocal tariffs' leaderboard - UK CONFIRMED to receive 10% levy

Donald Trump is now reading through a "reciprocal tariffs" leaderboard - which shows the tariffs being imposed on the US (left) and the planned reciprocal levies (right).

Just below Cambodia - and slightly out-of-shot - is the UK , which appears to have got off lightly with a 10 per cent levy.

EVERY country to be slapped with 10% base rate tariff - highest rate since WW2

Donald Trump has said he will impose a 10 per cent tariff on all countries - and Britain has not been spared.

The move means American tariffs have now hit their highest level on average since the Second World War.

Britain escaping Trump criticism - so far

Britain has so far managed to evade Donald Trump's criticism of countries - "friend and foe" - around the world.

The President has already laid into China, Canada, Australia, India, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam as he hailed how "the golden age of America" is "coming back".

He has also fumed at "exorbitant VAT taxes", though has not yet mentioned the UK by name.

Trump: Foreign countries have 'looted, pillaged, raped and plundered' America

Foreign countries "friend and foe" have "looted, pillaged, raped and plundered" the US, Donald Trump has said.

The President has vowed to sign an "historic executive order instituting reciprocal tariffs on countries throughout the world".

"Reciprocal. That means they do it to us and we do it to them. Very simple. Can't get any simpler than that," he said.

'It's Liberation Day!' Donald Trump vows 'golden age of America is coming back' as President unveils tariffs

Donald Trump is speaking from the White House as the President reveals just what kind of tariffs the US is going to impose.

He has already branded today "Liberation Day" - and vowed that it will "go down in history".

We'll bring you live updates - plus reaction from this side of the Atlantic - as they come in.

The stage is set for Trump's tariff rollout as 'Liberation Day' looms

The stage is set for Donald Trump's looming White House address. The President is due to unveil a litany of tariffs any moment now.

We'll bring you live updates as they come in...

RECAP: Donald Trump's tariff threats DISMISSED by Lee Anderson - 'He's not daft!'

Reform UK's chief whip Lee Anderson dismissed concerns about American tariffs on UK goods earlier today, telling GB News that Americans would still pay up for luxury British products.

"Some of the products we do make, the luxury products, are high-end products - and the rich American people want these products," he said.

"I think the Americans quite like some of the cars we make as well, like Land Rover, so there's quite a big market there. But let's wait and see," Anderson added.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

IN DEPTH: How could Trump's tariffs impact Britain? British exports to the US ranked

Trump tariffs to be 'banded' by country - reports

A source close to the White House has revealed that Donald Trump's tariffs will come with different "bands" based on country and industry, Sky News reports.

The specific band each country or industry is placed into will depend on how Trump's White House views each country's barriers to entry for trade - but how "tariff" is defined remains open to interpretation.

Trump is looking to mirror the tariffs already imposed by countries on US imports - which could include Britain's 20 per cent VAT.

As Trump's tariffs loom, Rachel Reeves counsels calm - 'We won't put a deal in jeopardy!'

Rachel Reeves vowed that the UK would not jeopardise the possibility of an economic deal with the US by "posturing" in response to Donald Trump's looming tariffs - which are set to hit British exports.

The Chancellor told MPs earlier that she had been speaking to exporters - who did not want a rushed response.

"We don't want to be posturing here, the prize on offer is a good economic agreement between us and the United States," she said.

"We are not going to do anything to put that in jeopardy, we are not going to rush into action to get a quick headline."

She also said she had discussed the situation with European Commission economy boss Valdis Dombrovskis.

The EU has already threatened to push back against Trump's tariffs - and it retaliated against his trade taxes during his first term in the White House.

But Reeves told the Treasury Committee: "Let's see how other countries and other trading blocs respond.

"We are discussing with other countries and the EU about the appropriate response to whatever announcements are made later today."

RECAP: Keir Starmer dealt huge polling blow as Labour slumps to THIRD - but Tories would need Farage to secure power

Sir Keir Starmer has been dealt a major polling blow after a new More in Common survey showed Labour slump into third place - behind both Reform UK and the Tories.

Labour's support is down to just 21 per cent, with Nigel Farage's populist party hitting 25 per cent and Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives establishing a one-point lead on 26 per cent.

The Liberal Democrats raked in 13 per cent, with the Greens falling slightly behind on seven per cent.

More in Common's UK director Luke Tryl said: "Obviously this is just one poll and likely captured voters at a particularly tricky point for Labour. But the long-term trend seems unarguable.

"Labour have lost a third of the vote they won last July and far from resetting Labour’s fortunes the sprint statement seems to have worsened them.

"On the other side while the Tory-Reform split has the potential to benefit Labour, if the combined right vote is over 50 per cent it might not ultimately matter with both parties of the right able to make significant gains at Labour’s expense."

Despite Electoral Calculus giving Badenoch the most seats in this scenario, the Tories would likely need to form a coalition with Reform UK to get over the 326 seats needed to form a Government.

Electoral Calculus gives the Tories 223, 103 short of a majority.

Reform UK hoover up 170, significantly higher than the five returned in the 2024 General Election.

Reeves deals ANOTHER blow to working Britons as Chancellor refuses to rule out MORE tax hikes

Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out fresh tax hikes for working Britons during her Treasury Select Committee grilling.

Reeves admitted Labour had made "a number of difficult decisions around taxation" in her October Budget, and was pressed on whether taxpayers will be hit with more increases in the future.

Tory MP John Glen asked the Chancellor: "Can you confirm to the committee today that you won't be raising taxes?"

But Reeves dodged his question - she told MPs: "I said in the Budget last year that it was a once-in-a-Parliament budget, to wipe the slate clean after the mismanagement of the previous administration. We made a number of difficult decisions around taxation."

Probed once again by Glen, she replied: "I'm not going to write another four years' worth of Budgets... That would not be responsible."

Reeves had previously pledged she would not be "coming back with more tax increases or more borrowing".

WATCH REEVES'S REFUSAL TO RULE OUT TAX HIKES IN FULL HERE

Angela Rayner: NO plans to deploy army to deal with Birmingham bin strike crisis

The Government has told GB News it has no plans to send in the military to deal with the growing public health crisis caused by the bin strike in Birmingham.

Birmingham City Council declared a major incident at the beginning of this week, as more than 17,000 tonnes of waste have been left piled up on the streets of Britain's second city.

And former Minister Edwina Curry said the army should be deployed as a matter of urgency to deal with the crisis.

But now, Angela Rayner's Housing Department has hit back...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

White House issues ominous tariff warning just HOURS ahead of rollout - 'They work, and Trump's first term proves it!'

Just hours ahead of Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" press conference, in which he's expected to roll out a slew of trade tariffs, the White House has issued an ominous warning.

A press release this afternoon UK time titled "Tariffs work - and President Trump's first term proves it" pledges that: "For the first time in decades, the United States will see fair trade as President Donald J Trump announces tariffs to level the playing field for American workers and businesses.

"Despite the rhetoric from politicians and the media, studies have repeatedly shown tariffs are an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives - just as they did in President Trump's first term," it adds.

It then rattles off a list of studies backing the benefits of tariffs for the American econonmy, as well as several pot-shots at media outlets which talked them down.

Rachel Reeves admits Britain will STILL be hit with Trump tariffs - even if a deal is signed

Rachel Reeves has admitted that Britain will still be hit by Donald Trump's tariffs, even if a UK-US "economic prosperity deal" is signed.

She told the Treasury Select Committee that the main impact on Britain will come from "global" levies, not UK-specific ones, and warned that even with a deal, the UK won't be "out of the woods".

"Even if we are able to secure an economic deal with the United States - which we very much want to secure and are working hard to secure that - even if that's possible, [it] doesn't mean somehow that we are out of the woods and not impacted by tariffs.

"So we don't just want to see an agreement between the UK and the US, we want to see free trade, fair trade continue."

Rachel Reeves facing Treasury grilling over Budget and Spring Statement fallout - follow live

Rachel Reeves is currently facing down a grilling by the Treasury Select Committee on the fallout from both her October Budget and her Spring Statement.

We'll bring you the top lines as the Chancellor scrambles to defend Labour's decisions - but in the meantime, you can watch her Committee appearance live on GBN2, our second news channel dedicated to live events.

WATCH RACHEL REEVES'S GRILLING LIVE ON GBN2 HERE

PMQs row: 'Incompetent!' Corbynista MP blasts Keir Starmer over Labour's 'disgraceful' Birmingham bin strike failure

Pro-Gaza Independent MP Ayoub Khan has blasted Sir Keir Starmer over Labour's "disgraceful" Birmingham bin strike failures.

Khan, who is a part of Jeremy Corbyn's five-man Independent Alliance, claimed rubbish piling up in England's second largest city joins a growing list of failures since Starmer entered No10.

Birmingham was forced to declare a major incident on March 31 after 17,000 tonnes of waste was left on the streets.

The pile up comes after Unite union members staged an all-out strike on March 11 in a row over pay.

In a fiery exchange at Prime Minister's Questions, the Birmingham Perry Barr MP told Starmer: "This Labour Government has failed the British public at every turn. They have abandoned the Waspi women, leaving them without compensation they deserve.

"They have turned their backs on pensioners by failing to support the winter fuel allowance. They have let down children by keeping the two-child benefit cap in place, and they will inflict further hardship on the most vulnerable by slashing £5billion from benefits.

"But perhaps the most immediate and visible failure, one that poses an immediate and direct health risk to the people of Birmingham, is the appalling financial mismanagement of Labour-run Birmingham City Council.

"After more than a decade of Labour control, their incompetence has led to mountains of uncollected rubbish piling up on every street so far that it can be seen from satellites orbiting space.

"It is nothing short of a disgrace and a damning indictment of Labour's inability to govern. Will the Prime Minister take urgent action to protect the public health and the people of Birmingham?"

RECAP: Keir Starmer scrambles 'concession package' as PM pleads Donald Trump to spare Britain from trade war

Sir Keir Starmer has scrambled together a package of economic concessions as the Prime Minister looks to persuade Donald Trump to spare the UK from his imminent trade war.

Trump is just hours away from introducing his so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs in a move which will leave markets reeling and consumers taking a significant hit.

Despite accepting a far-reaching transatlantic deal will not happen, the Prime Minister is now looking to show the White House that the UK is willing to give up ground.

Downing Street placed future technologies on the table by suggesting the UK could ease or scrap its Digital Services Tax for US tech giants.

No10 also appeared to concede ground on tariffs currently imposed on American exports of chicken, beef and other meats.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Starmer insists council can 'resolve' city's bin strikes amid major incident

Keir Starmer has insisted that City Council is able to bring the Birmingham's three-week-long bin strikes to an end - without mentioning the city.

Badenoch rubbished the claim, highlighting that the PM failed to specifically mention Birmingham by name - as well as the 17,000 tonnes of rubbish left strewn across the city's streets.

The Labour leader maintained that he fully backs the council to "resolve the situation" and will provide further support where it is needed.

Ed Davey demands PM hold 'economic Coalition of the Willing' in bid to tackle Trump's tariffs

The Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has demanded a meeting of the economic "Coalition of the Willing" in a bid to tackle Donald Trump's tariffs.

Davey warned the PM that "we could be saying goodbye to free trade for a generation".

In response, Starmer said: "I think that’s the wrong choice on defence, on security intelligence, for reasons that we’ve rehearsed across this chamber. I also think it’s wrong on trade and the economy.

"We have a balanced trade relationship with the US, and I believe that our interests are best served by calmly trying to secure a deal which is in our national interest, whilst at the same time preparing and leaving all options on the table."

Starmer grilled as Britons slapped with sky-rocketing household bills

In a fiery clash in the Commons, the Tory leader grilled Keir Starmer on the high bills being inflicted upon Britons in the coming months.

She further asserted that her party left him the "fastest growing economy in the G7".

Hitting back, Starmer accused his Tory counterpart of belittling the nation's successes, insisting that growth is due to rise over the next five years.

Starmer blasts Tory figure over Labour's 'job tax' a 'fantasy figure'

Keir Starmer has blasted the Tory claim that Labour's "jobs tax" will slap families with a £3,500 bill.

In response, Kemi Badenoch declared that the Labour leader was bringing fragility while claiming to be providing stability, maintaining the Conservatives' figure to be true.

The Conservative Party insisted that the tax will lead to businesses cutting wages, hiking up prices or firing staff.

Labour will take 'calm, pragmatic' approach in the face of Trump tariffs

On the matter of Trump tariffs, Sir Keir Starmer said: "A trade war is in nobody’s interest and the country deserves, and we will take, a calm, pragmatic approach.

"That is why constructive talks are progressing to agree a wider economic prosperity deal with the US. That is why we are working with all industries and sectors likely to be impacted."

Our decisions will always be guided by our national interests, and that’s why we have prepared for all eventualities, and we will rule nothing out."

France FINALLY admits it can do more to stop Channel crossing crisis after pocketing £500m for migrant 'taxi service' 

France has admitted it needs to stop more small boats entering the UK and would consider sending migrants back from Britain, despite receiving £500million from UK taxpayers for deterrence.

President Emmanuel Macron's border chief explained returning illegal settlers would likely send a clear message they should not risk their lives making the dangerous crossing.

The French have been under increasing pressure to end the flow of migrants across the Channel.

There are calls that the country's navy should stop escorting boats across busy shipping lanes until they are picked up by UK Border Force.

Speaking to The Sun, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said: "We have to deal with the crossings."

He admitted French authorities had previously focused only on saving people at sea without taking risks.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

PMQs: Starmer vs Badenoch

PMQs is underway - follow along for all the latest updates.

Angela Rayner blames Tories for Birmingham bin chaos

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has blamed the previous Tory Government for Birmingham Council's ongoing bin crisis.

Rayner suggested that the Conservatives had been responsible for the council's bankruptcy several years ago.

The Labour-led local authority this week declared a major incident as bin workers continue to strike over pay.

Taking aim at the Tories, the Deputy Prime Minister told the BBC: “The bin collection in Birmingham is a wider and bigger issue, because under the previous government, Birmingham council went bust and issued a 114 notice.

“We’ve given Birmingham extra cash to support the difficult circumstances that they’re in and they’re taking action to tackle the long-standing equal pay claims that Birmingham council had.

“And they had over 10 years of austerity, they saw significant sums, billions of pounds, taken out of their budget and were not able to provide the most necessary of services. So we’re taking action to put local government on a better financial stabilisation after the 14 years of disaster that we’ve had.”

'Stupid and incompetent!' Tories rage against Starmer's Chagos 'surrender' deal

Shadow Housing Secretary Kevin Hollinrake has been left raging against Sir Keir Starmer's Chagos deal getting the green light from US President Donald Trump.

In a fiery exchange on GB News this morning, Hollinrake said: "I cannot think of anything more stupid or incompetent than giving away your own territory and then renting it back."

'He's never negotiated anything!' Top Tory warns Starmer's Labour risks Trump tariff carnage

A top Tory has warned that Sir Keir Starmer risks leaving the UK vulnerable to Donald Trump's Liberation Day tariffs.

Speaking to GB News this morning, Shadow Housing Secretary Kevin Hollinrake said: "I do hav concerns about whether Starmer is the right person to negotiate.

"He's never negotiated anything in the real world and neither has his Cabinet."

Hollinrake added: "It's one thing going over the Atlantic and taking the golden ticket with you for a state visit, it's another thing to do some hard talk around business negotiations.

"They had the chance to do that and that doesn't appear to have been too successful."

Trump's tariffs 'knock out' Reeves's £10bn headroom just ONE WEEK after crippling cuts

Donald Trump's tariffs look set to "knock out" the Labour Chancellor's fiscal buffer - less than one week after Rachel Reeves boasted a headroom of almost £10billion.

After making crippling cuts to Britain's ballooning benefit system to boost the economy, the Chancellor is now preparing for the US President to impose his much-awaited tariffs.

Experts have warned that the speculated tariffs could even eliminate the headroom that Reeves boasted in her Spring Statement last Wednesday.

The Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) Professor David Miles told MPs: "If tariffs at 20, 25 per cent were put on the UK and maintained for five years, our assessment of what that does is that it will knock out all the headroom that the Government currently has."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Trump's trade war sends stock markets tumbling as 'Liberation Day' tariffs spell 'global recession' warning

Donald Trump's imminent trade war has sent global stock markets stuttering ahead of his controversial tariff plans later today.

The White House confirmed yesterday the President will impose new tariffs, however it did not provide details about the size and scope of the fees on what he has called "Liberation Day."

Asian stocks struggled for direction, with Japan's Nikkei last up 0.25 per cent after hitting its lowest level since September earlier in the session. South Korea's benchmark index was down 0.6 per cent.

The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong dropped 0.8 per cent. In mainland China, the CSI 300 Index declined 0.1 per cent.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE