Starmer Urges Calm as Trump’s Tariffs Rock Global Markets
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is calling for calm as the world enters what he describes as an “era of global instability,” sparked by a wave of new tariffs from Donald Trump. Markets around the globe including in the UK have taken a hit, with stocks plummeting after the U.S. slapped a 25% tariff on cars and a 10% tariff on other British imports.
Speaking at a Jaguar Land Rover factory in the West Midlands, Starmer tried to reassure workers and the public. “These are tough times,” he said, “but nobody wins in a trade war. We need cool heads and a united front.”
To help ease the pressure on the auto industry, Starmer announced a relaxation of net zero rules, letting hybrid cars be sold until 2035 though sales of petrol and diesel-only cars are still set to end by 2030.
He stressed that the government isn’t backing away from climate goals but is willing to be flexible when industries are under pressure. “We’re not ideological we’re pragmatic,” he said.
Meanwhile, other UK leaders weighed in. First Minister John Swinney said Scotland wants to strengthen ties with the U.S. despite the shaky global economy. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, on the other hand, slammed the government for “cowering” to Trump and urged closer ties with Europe instead. He called for a new international alliance to push back against the U.S. tariffs.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Starmer for not doing enough, while Reform UK’s Nigel Farah normally a Trump supporter admitted the tariffs were “a bit excessive,” though he added Trump was just sticking to his campaign promises.
As if things weren’t tense enough, Trump also threatened even harsher tariffs on China unless it backs off from its own recent trade measures. That warning sent U.S. markets into a tailspin, with the Dow Jones plunging over 1,200 points and the S&P 500 teetering on bear market territory.
The UK government is hoping to strike a deal with Washington to ease the tension, but for now, businesses and politicians alike are bracing for more economic turbulence.
Global Tensions Rise Starmer Appeals for Calm After Trump’s Trade Strike
