Lib Dems demand publication of Donald Trump tariff impact assessment
The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to release an analysis of the potential impact of Donald Trump’s imposition of trade tariffs on the UK economy.
Trump, who will be sworn in as US president on Monday, has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 20% on global imports and up to 60% on China. trade war Held during its first term 2017–2021.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has warned that a second, wider round of Trump tariffs could lead to higher inflation and unemployment in the UK, and the Government has stressed that Extensive preparation.
The Lib Dems plan to use a parliamentary tool to press for the publication of internal government assessments.
The party is to introduce a rarely used “polite address” motion to demand, through a symbolic message to the King, that ministers publish an official analysis.
The Lib Dems are pointing towards a recent study Suggesting a 20% tariff – or duty – on UK exports to the US could cost the British economy £22 billion a year.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the public deserved to know the level of risk to the UK economy, jobs and living standards, and called on the government to “come clean” now.
“Many families who already struggle with the cost of living will be concerned about what a Trump presidency and potential trade war could mean for them.
“The least the British public deserves is for the government to be transparent about how Trump’s tariffs could hit their wallets,” he said.
Although uncommon, the “polite address” procedural device has been used four times since 2017 to force the publication of official documents, particularly around Brexit, as successful proposals are binding on the government.
Sir Ed on Thursday Called for a new UK-EU customs unionArguing that this would strengthen Britain’s negotiating position with the new Trump administration, as well as boost economic growth.
Last month, Trump raised the threat of tariffs against the EU, urging the EU to buy US oil and gas, posting: “Otherwise, it’s tariffs all the way!!!”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has a difficult tightrope to walk between Britain’s relations with the US and the EU after Brexit, and he hypothesis rejected The country will have to choose between closer relations with one or the other.
