Labour leader Keir Starmer has warned that the UK should avoid a trade war with the US, stating that it would be "unwise and damaging" to both countries.
In a podcast interview, Starmer emphasized that he is committed to maintaining good relations with Washington and engaging in constructive dialogue. He acknowledged that the US's decision to re-impose tariffs on British steel has caused concern among Labour politicians and industry leaders.
Starmer urged the government to take swift action to mitigate any negative impact on the economy. However, he also cautioned against retaliating with tariffs of its own, arguing that it could lead to a more severe economic downturn for both nations.
The Labour leader's comments come as tensions between the UK and US remain high over trade disputes, including the steel tariff row. The government has refused to comment on Starmer's remarks, but the opposition party's stance on trade is seen as a key issue ahead of the next general election.
In a podcast interview, Starmer emphasized that he is committed to maintaining good relations with Washington and engaging in constructive dialogue. He acknowledged that the US's decision to re-impose tariffs on British steel has caused concern among Labour politicians and industry leaders.
Starmer urged the government to take swift action to mitigate any negative impact on the economy. However, he also cautioned against retaliating with tariffs of its own, arguing that it could lead to a more severe economic downturn for both nations.
The Labour leader's comments come as tensions between the UK and US remain high over trade disputes, including the steel tariff row. The government has refused to comment on Starmer's remarks, but the opposition party's stance on trade is seen as a key issue ahead of the next general election.
I mean, I get it, Keir Starmer's trying to be all diplomatic and whatnot, but can't he just speak up about the steel tariff row already? 
It's like, come on, the US is basically bullying us over here! 
But at the same time, I feel him on the whole trade war thing - it's no joke, dude. We don't want to mess with our economy just for the sake of some petty politics. 
Let's just hope our government takes Starmer's words to heart and does something about this, you know? 
It's a delicate balance, I guess. What really gets me is that the government isn't commenting on this... are they just gonna let Starmer speak up and then ignore it? 
I mean, come on, Keir Starmer's comments about avoiding a trade war with the US are actually pretty reasonable, if you ask me. It's not like the UK doesn't already feel like we're being strung along by the US - who else is going to trade with us when they just impose tariffs out of nowhere?! 
.
. we get it, you want to be friends with the US, but what about our economy, eh? 
.
can't believe what's going on with our gov 
! I get it, we don't want tariffs or a trade war but at the same time, why are they just ignoring our steel industry? 
! We need to find a way to negotiate better deals and not be dictated to 
. It's time for our gov to take some real action, not just more hot air 
. Fingers crossed Keir gets us out of this mess soon 
. Tariffs on our steel are annoying enough without us having to throw more of a hissy fit 
. Still, let's hope Starmer's words of caution lead to some positive change 
.
both countries gonna get hurt. I'm not saying Starmer's approach is perfect, but at least he's trying to find a way out of this mess without making things worse...
.
. And what about the actual impact on everyday people who work in steel manufacturing or whatever? I'm all for good relations and dialogue, but we can't just sit idly by while our economy takes a hit 
.
. I mean, I know we're not exactly in the early days of online forums or anything, but it still surprises me how slow to react they are when it comes to major news like this one. I just read about Keir Starmer's comments on a trade war with the US and I'm already thinking about what I'd say if I had a thread to share my thoughts 
. Can't we just have a more user-friendly interface around here? 
but starmer makes a point about not retaliatin' and instead talkin' things through i mean, what's the point of winnin if we all end up losin' in the long run?
it's like we're walkin on eggshells, waitin for someone to make a move that'll set off a chain reaction.
. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for constructive dialogue and good relations with the US, but someone needs to hold their feet to the fire 
. Maybe it's time for a more assertive stance from the opposition? 
The last thing we need is for politicians on both sides to start throwing around tariffs left and right without thinking through the consequences. It just seems so... childish. 
A trade war would be a total bummer for both countries - it's not like either side wants to suffer economic woes 
The steel tariff thing is pretty frustrating, though - who benefits from that? 
. But, at the same time, I get why he's trying to avoid a trade war - it's all about the economy and stuff 
. Maybe there's some other solution out there that doesn't involve tariffs or retaliating? 
we don't wanna mess up our economies 
and avoiding a trade war 
that could be super detrimental 