Sir Keir Starmer held an emergency press conference yesterday in response to Donald Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs on the UK and other countries.
Since returning to office, Mr. Starmer has sought to maintain stable diplomatic relations with the United States. However, this approach has come under scrutiny following President Trump’s recent proposal to introduce a 10 per cent tariff—later increased to 25 per cent—on countries like the UK. These tariffs are tied to resistance against Trump’s controversial plan to acquire Greenland.
An Ipsos survey now reveals that 47% of Britons believe Sir Keir is mishandling the UK’s relationship with the US.
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At the Downing Street briefing, Sir Keir condemned the tariff threat as “completely wrong.” He stressed the importance of resolving differences through diplomatic dialogue rather than economic punishment. While acknowledging disagreements over Greenland, he emphasized the ongoing trust and crucial security partnership between the UK and US.
Starmer dismissed accusations of being overly accommodating to Trump, arguing that his government’s strategy has attracted hundreds of billions of pounds in foreign investment, supporting jobs and businesses across Britain.
He highlighted the unparalleled defense, security, and intelligence cooperation between the two nations, describing this relationship as vital to the safety and well-being of citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
In a separate development, the UK distanced itself from the European Union, which is considering retaliatory tariffs on American goods worth over 90 billion euros. When asked if the UK might follow suit, Starmer warned that a tariff war would harm businesses, workers, and families, benefiting no one. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with European allies and the US to avoid escalation.
The question remains: should Sir Keir Starmer adopt a tougher stance against Donald Trump’s aggressive tactics?
We invite you to share your opinion in the comments. Tell us yes or no, followed by a brief explanation. For example, you might argue that Trump’s tactics are justified or that the Prime Minister needs to adopt a firmer approach in dealing with the US.
We may feature the most clear and insightful responses in a future article.
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Donald Trump remains a challenging figure for the UK’s Prime Minister. Is Sir Keir’s approach the right one? Share your perspective in the comments and participate in our poll.