UK Seeks Trade Deal With US to Avoid Tariffs, Says Reeves
Britain is actively pursuing a trade agreement with the United States to avoid impending tariffs, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves told delegates at the MakeUK National Manufacturing Conference in London.
“We don’t want to see tariffs,” Reeves emphasized while addressing representatives from the country’s manufacturing sector. She expressed optimism, stating there is “every reason to be hopeful” about securing a trade deal between the UK and the US.
Her remarks follow Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent discussions with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. Reeves confirmed that the UK is “now searching for some sort of trade deal” with Washington to sidestep Trump’s proposed tariffs.
Trump told reporters that a deal was possible, saying, “We could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary.”
However, tariffs on UK steel and aluminum exports are set to take effect next week, with Britain expected to impose countermeasures on US goods in April.
In a move to strengthen ties with the US, Starmer also pledged to increase UK defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027. Reeves emphasized that this investment should support domestic industries and jobs.
“We want to ensure that as we increase defense spending, it benefits British jobs and British businesses,” she said.
Addressing industry leaders, Reeves also announced plans to reduce bureaucracy in defense procurement, including reviewing single-source contract regulations.
“Strong security is the foundation of a strong economy,” she concluded.
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