Downing Street officials have admitted that the UK will likely be affected by the new US tariff plan.
President Donald Trump turned down a request from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to leave Britain out of the new import taxes.
At the same time, the US government raised concerns about freedom of speech in the UK. A source told The Telegraph that there should be “no free trade without free speech.”
The concern is related to a woman named Livia Tossici-Bolt, who was taken to court for holding a sign near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth that said, “Here to talk if you want.” The US government is watching the case, and a decision is expected on Friday.
Keir Starmer reportedly invited Trump to visit the UK in June to agree on a smaller trade deal that could avoid the tariffs. However, Trump didn’t agree to anything, only saying he would look into the details.
Some sources said the UK didn’t officially ask for an exemption, but another insider claimed Starmer had asked for more time to sort out a deal with the US.
The UK government’s hopes of avoiding the new tariffs are fading. The tariffs are expected to begin on April 2, which Trump is calling “Liberation Day.”
A US official recently visited the UK and met with Tossici-Bolt. The US said it values its relationship with the UK, but is worried about the current state of free speech there. They said it’s important for the UK to protect people’s right to speak freely.
Tossici-Bolt was accused of breaking a law that stops people from protesting in certain areas. She said she’s not guilty. A judge is expected to give a final decision at the end of the week. She told The Telegraph that her case is just one example of growing censorship in the UK.
Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds said he hopes the tariffs can be removed soon if both countries can agree on a technology-based trade deal. He said the UK is staying calm and wants to reach a solution. However, he warned that if an agreement takes too long, the UK might have to respond with its own tariffs.
