Brexit “saved” the UK from Donald Trump’s trade war nightmare, a top Tory has claimed.
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith hailed the UK’s departure from the European Union after the 47th President slapped tariffs on nations around the world.
The UK was hit with a 10 per cent levy, significantly lower than the 20 per cent now facing the Brussels bloc and 34 per cent whacked on China.
In a lengthy social media thread, Griffith said: “US tariffs are disappointing news which will worry working families across the country. But our Brexit freedoms have saved us from the worst.”
He added: “The silver lining is that Brexit – which Labour ministers voted against 48 times – means we face far lower tariffs than the EU: a Brexit dividend protecting thousands of British jobs and businesses.”
Sir Keir Starmer could now look to take advantage of the UK’s freedoms outside the EU to forge closer trade relations with the US.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers. That’s why, throughout the last few weeks, the Government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship.”
A Downing Street source also said the lower levies for the UK “vindicates our approach” after weeks of intensive diplomacy by Starmer and his Labour colleagues.
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