‘Stand shoulder to shoulder’ with EU and Commonwealth, say Lib Dems

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller MP, has urged the government “to stand shoulder to shoulder” with the EU and Commonwealth after the latest wave of trade tariffs were announced.

President Trump’s 10 per cent tariff on all UK imports is expected to come into force this morning [Saturday 5th April]. The White House has also announced a 25 per cent tariff on UK car exports, in addition to steel and aluminium products.

The representative for Bicester and Woodstock criticised the move: “Today, President Trump is blindly lashing out against America’s closest allies and largest trading partners. His tariffs will deliver a hammer blow to people and businesses in Britain, the US and around the world.”

Currently the British government is yet to confirm on whether retaliatory tariffs will be imposed. A four-week consultation with British businesses is, however, underway to decide the best course of action, as Westminster looks to avoid a full-scale trade war.

Meanwhile China has already issued an immediate response with a 34% reciprocal tariff on US imports, with the EU expected to follow suit.

A potential move offered by the government is a reduction in the digital services tax for US technology companies. The tax, which raised £800 million in 2024, would still be applied to companies from other countries.

Miller blasted this approach, labelling it appeasement: “We need to end this trade war as quickly as possible, but the Government’s attempts to appease the White House and its offers to cut taxes on US tech billionaires simply aren’t working.”

Instead the Lib Dem MP called for a coordinated response to the crisis. “The best way to end this crisis is to stand shoulder to shoulder with our European and Commonwealth friends. We must coordinate our response and strengthen our trading relations with our reliable allies. That’s how we can protect our economy from Trump’s bullying.”