Government refuses to back buy British campaign amid US tariffs
- The UK government has officially declined to launch a 'buy British' campaign amid concerns of US tariffs.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves argues that increasing trade barriers will harm the UK economy and create inflation.
- The government prioritizes strong trade relations with the US while continuing to support British producers.
The United Kingdom government, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has officially rejected calls for a 'buy British' campaign in response to U.S. tariffs. This decision was conveyed during a session in the House of Commons on Tuesday, where Reeves addressed concerns related to the ongoing trade tensions instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump's implementation of a 10% import tax on nearly all British products destined for the U.S., alongside higher tariffs on items such as aluminum and steel. Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper asked if the government would support a campaign encouraging the public to purchase British goods to counter the U.S. tariffs. Reeves responded by warning that escalating trade barriers would not benefit the UK economy and emphasized that protectionist measures could lead to a detrimental trade war, causing inflation and disruptions in supply chains. She believes that each consumer should make their own purchasing decisions rather than being directed by the government. The Prime Minister's official spokesman echoed this sentiment, stating the UK continues to embrace its position as an open-trading nation. Although the government is committed to supporting British producers and manufacturers, it prefers to avoid telling consumers how to spend their money. The administration remains cautious about retaliatory actions against U.S. tariffs, wanting to maintain strong trade relations with the U.S. while still backing local businesses. Concerns surrounding food safety have also arisen in the context of potential future trade deals between the UK and the U.S., including practices such as washing chicken with chlorine. This reflects broader apprehensions about how trade agreements could affect local industries and public health standards. The government's focus remains on securing a favorable trade deal with the United States without escalating tensions into a trade war, which would adversely impact both nations' economies.