UK Government Rejects 'Buy British' Campaign Amid Trump's Tariffs

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rejected calls for a 'buy British' campaign in response to US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, warning that such a move could lead to an inward-looking trade policy detrimental to the UK. During a Commons session, Reeves emphasized the importance of maintaining open trade relations, stating that encouraging barriers to trade would not benefit the country or its supply chains. Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper criticized Reeves' stance, arguing it disregards the concerns of businesses affected by the tariffs. Downing Street aligned with Reeves' position, suggesting a balanced approach that supports British businesses while remaining an open-trading nation. The backdrop to this debate includes recent tariffs of 10% on British imports into the US, adding to existing tariffs on cars and steel, which have raised fears of a global trade war and its impact on the UK economy. Reeves reassured that the government would continue to support British producers while advocating for access to global markets.