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      Trump’s tariffs, Brexit and Keir Starmer’s next move: Ask John Rentoul anything in exclusive Q&A

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      Welcome to an exclusive Ask Me Anything session with me, John Rentoul, The Independent’s chief political commentator.Keep scrolling for more. If you want to jump straight to the Q&A, click here.Donald Trump has launched a fresh wave of tariffs, including a 10 per cent duty on all British exports to the US, in a dramatic escalation of his trade war. Dubbed “Liberation Day”, the president’s announcement has sent shockwaves through global markets, with European nations hit even harder, some facing tariffs of up to 34 per cent.The UK government, under Keir Starmer, has so far failed to secure an exemption, though officials insist negotiations are continuing. Ministers argue that Britain’s 10 per cent tariff – half the level imposed on EU nations – is a sign of their diplomatic strategy paying off; although Brexiteers claim it as a benefit of leaving the EU. Even so, British businesses, especially in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, will still suffer.In response, the Labour government is balancing two key trade relationships: managing the fallout with the US while fending off calls to pivot back towards Europe. At home, Starmer’s administration is under pressure to act decisively. The prime minister insists he will take a “calm, pragmatic” approach, refusing to be drawn into retaliatory tariffs. Business leaders, however, are growing increasingly concerned.So, what does Trump’s latest move mean for the UK economy? How will it impact post-Brexit Britain’s place on the global stage? And what should Starmer’s next steps be?Join me live at 1pm BST on Friday, 4 April, as I tackle your questions on tariffs, Brexit, UK-EU relations, and what the markets might do next.Submit your questions in the comments below. If you’re not already a member, click “sign up” in the comments section to participate. For a full guide on how to comment, click here.Don’t worry if you can’t see your question right away – some may be hidden until the Q&A starts. See you at 1pm! More

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      The truth about Trump’s tariffs and the ‘Brexit dividend’

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      Within minutes of Donald Trump’s announcement on so-called “reciprocal tariffs” around the world, Brexiteers were claiming victory because the UK escaped with half the rate imposed on the EU.But if the UK’s 10 per cent import tariffs to the American market compared to the EU’s 20 per cent, is the best economic justification for Brexit that can be made, then supporters of leaving the EU are clutching at straws.The first and most obvious point is that Brexit has not spared the UK from having tariffs imposed on it by the one world leader who was the biggest cheerleader outside Britain for the UK leaving the EU.Trump with his tariffs list More

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      Trump ‘acted for his country’ with tariff plans, Starmer says

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      Donald Trump was “acting for his country” when he slapped a 10 per cent tariff on all British exports to the United States, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The prime minister vowed to act in Britain’s interests in return, but indicated he would not hit back with retaliatory measures and instead would “keep a cool head”.As he met business leaders to discuss the measures in Downing Street, Sir Keir warned: “Clearly, there will be an economic impact from the decisions the US has taken, both here and globally.”Keir Starmer is seeking to strike a deal with Donald Trump More

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      Trump tariffs: What does the UK trade with America?

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      Donald Trump has imposed 10 per cent tariffs on all of the United Kingdom’s exports to the United States.There are higher tariffs for cars and car parts – 25 per cent – which will also extend to all computer imports, including laptops.The list includes tariff codes for engines, transmissions, lithium-ion batteries and other major components, along with less expensive parts including tires, shock absorbers, spark plug wires and brake hoses.Trump says the tariffs are the US’s “declaration of independence”.However, UK businesses have labelled them “devastating”.Here is a look at how much trade the UK has with the US, based on figures published by the Office for National Statistics.U.S. President Donald Trump announces tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House More

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      No escape for UK as Trump targets ‘foreign cheaters’ in new global trade war

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      British firms have been hit by a 10 per cent tariff on all exports to the United States as Donald Trump ushered in a new era for global trade and pledged America “will no longer be ripped off”.The US president said his “Liberation Day” announcement – in which some nations will pay as much as 34 per cent – was a “declaration of economic independence”.It means that Sir Keir Starmer’s government has failed to secure a carve-out for Britain from tariffs, but while the UK was 13th on a “naughty list” of nations brandished at a White House press conference, it had the joint lowest tariffs along with nations such as Brazil.European Union nations face 20 per cent penalties while China will pay 34 per cent and Cambodia an eye-watering 49 per cent. Switzerland was also hit hard with 31 per cent. Taiwan, which is struggling for survival against threats from China, faces 32 per cent and India is getting 26 per cent.A Downing Street source said: “We don’t want any tariffs at all, but a lower levy than others vindicates our approach. It matters because the difference between 10 per cent and 20 per cent is thousands of jobs. “We will keep negotiating, keep cool and keep calm. We want to negotiate a sustainable trade deal, and of course to get tariffs lowered. Tomorrow we will continue with that work.”Donald Trump with a list of countries that will be subject to ‘reciprocal tariffs’ More

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      Britons ‘to be £400 worse off’ due to Reeves’ tax hikes – despite pledge to boost pockets by £500

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      Working age households will be £400 worse off on average next year due to tax hikes, soaring bills and stagnant benefits, a leading think-tank has warned.Days after Rachel Reeves boasted that Labour’s policies will leave families £500 better off, the Resolution Foundation said the outlook for living standards is actually “historically bleak”.In a blow to the chancellor, the left-leaning think tank said Labour’s tax hikes, the Tories’ ongoing freeze on personal tax thresholds and below-inflation increases to working-age benefits will lead to a £400, or one per cent, fall in disposable income for a typical household. The Chancellor made the spring statement last week (Ben Stansall/PA) More

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      Polish prime minister says his party was targeted in cyberattack ahead of election

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      Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday that his centrist political party was the target of a cyberattack, and suggested that it could have been interference from the east — meaning Russia or Belarus — ahead of Poland’s presidential election next month.Tusk announced on the X platform that his Civic Platform party’s computer system was targeted.“Foreign interference in elections begins. Services point to eastern trace,” Tusk said.Jan Grabiec, the head of Tusk’s office, told the Polish state news agency PAP that the cyberattack consisted of an attempt to take control of computers of employees of the Civic Platform office and the election staff over about a dozen hours on Wednesday.Asked if Tusk was pointing the finger at Russia or Belarus, Grabiec said that would be for Poland’s secret services to comment on, but that in past cases Belarusians have infiltrated Poland’s systems on behalf of Russian intelligence services.Poland is weeks away from the first round of a presidential election, scheduled for May 18. The frontrunner is the Civic Platform candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who like Tusk is a pro-European Union centrist. He has been polling around 35%.His main contenders include a conservative backed by the Law and Justice party, Karol Nawrocki, who is second in most polls at a bit over 20%, and a co-leader of the far-right Confederation candidate, Sławomir Mentzen, who has been polling around 20%.If no candidate wins outright with at least 50% of the vote on May 18, a runoff will be held June 1. More

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      Voices: ‘The US is the biggest loser’: What Independent readers are saying about Trump’s tariffs

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      As Donald Trump prepares to unveil the latest round of US tariffs – grandly dubbed “Liberation Day” by the White House – the uncertainty surrounding their impact is growing. While Trump has hinted that all nations, including the UK, will be affected, the specifics remain unclear. What is certain, however, is that his trade war will have far-reaching consequences for global markets, businesses, and consumers.The topic has got Independent readers talking, with many sharing their views on Trump’s tariffs.Across our community, there is deep concern that these tariffs will drive up prices in the UK, worsen the cost-of-living crisis, and further destabilise an already fragile economy. Some argued that instead of scrambling to avoid tariffs, UK leaders should focus on making US tech giants pay their fair share of tax. Others pointed out historical warnings in America’s own past, drawing parallels to the devastating effects of the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariffs.However, a few suggested that the UK could find opportunity amid the chaos – if it plays its cards right. They argued that Redirected trade flows might benefit certain industries, while economic shifts could ease borrowing costs for the government. Whether the UK emerges from this as a loser or a winner will depend on the political and economic decisions made in the coming weeks.Below is a selection of your views on Trump’s tariffs. Feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments section by clicking here.Resisting bullyingStarmer ‘offers US tech firms tax cut’ in last-ditch bid to dodge Trump tariffs.This is diametrically opposed to the position he should be taking.US tech firms already do not pay a fair share of tax on the revenue they generate here. We should be seeking to make them so, regardless of tariffs, but especially so given that tariffs have been imposed.Furthermore, Starmer should not be seeking to wheedle out of tariffs, he should be aligning with the rest of the world to resist Trump’s bullying. Jolly SwagmanRocketing cost of livingMy Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity/Universal Credit… that 1.7 per cent increase, approx £12 per month, which won’t even cover the 29 per cent rise on my water bill, let alone gas/electric, council tax, water, TV licence and mobile/broadband increases.It’s absolutely pitiful in comparison to the rocketing rises of the costs of living on all fronts, and that goes for everyone who isn’t well off or wealthy.And now we have to wait and see the impact of Trump’s tariffs on an already ailing economy and a decimated UK population! It never seems to stop! RedRocket68Support for UK industriesWell, Trump is right in one respect. We need to support our own industries, something successive governments since Thatcher have failed to do.But tariffs are not the way, as they only raise prices for all consumers. Tax is a better option, and raising the digital services tax on Tech Bros who can well afford to pay would raise much-needed revenue.Let our government stand up for British interests for once. Time for the British lion to stop rolling over to have its tummy rubbed like a domestic moggy. Time for the British Lion to show its claws. 49ninerHistory lessonAmerica has been here before with the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of 1930, and it’s difficult to comprehend why they think this time will be any different. All it did was drive inflation, unemployment, and prolong the Great Depression in America. The damage to global trade, instability, and animosity no doubt contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War. fruitpicker15Tariffs benefit no oneThere are no winners with tariffs. The biggest losers are the consumers in the country imposing extra domestic taxes.Trump was elected to lower the price of eggs, not increase the price of automobiles. LordNelson3Trump’s re-electionFrom what we are hearing about the planned increases in import tariffs, Trump might actually destroy his own chances of ever being re-elected. American consumers will be hit by them as well as those elsewhere. Disillusion with Trump will be a more effective way of restoring democracy because the likes of Vance and any other strong supporters of Trump will become just as unelectable.InterestedObserverBritish alternativesIt would be smart not to raise tariffs against America; they only increase prices in the UK. If they want to tax US citizens to buy our products, then that is up to them, we can’t control what they do, but there is no point fighting back by damaging ourselves. I would, however, be harsher on their tech companies in terms of an age validation requirement for adult content, the need to stop harmful content and increase the tax on the companies themselves. Let’s ensure people can have cheap or free access to social media and email, etc., in the UK without the need to access American companies. Let’s ensure there is a British alternative to Amazon. Everyone needs to stop buying American goods and services and seek UK or EU alternatives. PeterHenleyWhy target only economic reprisals?Why is the UK Government restricting their consideration of reprisals against POTUS to economic ones? There are 13 USAF bases in the UK which appear to have no immediate benefit for this country. Simply say that as long as the tariffs continue, no USAF planes will be allowed to land here or overfly UK airspace. There may be UK bases abroad too that are used by the USAF. If Canada and the EU also imposed restrictions, the US “Reach” worldwide would be much diminished. We could also think about adding restrictions to commercial air flights if they provide no benefit to the UK. sweepydogRisks of retaliationIt will very often be the case that the party imposing tariffs, in this case the US, is the biggest loser. A corollary is that retaliation, however tempting, is not necessarily the best policy. Why shoot ourselves in the foot just because Trump has?That said, some carefully selected responses, e.g. targeting the products of Trump-supporting states, might be worth considering politically speaking. Prester JohnImpact of sanctions and tariffsI am not convinced that putting sanctions or tariffs on Russian oil will help the US at all… India and China will just continue to trade oil across the border directly in Yuan. In fact, it will help them to get cheaper oil than the rest of the world… However, the Chinese also hold so much in American T-bills that if things get nasty they will start selling (and not buying)… yields will quickly rise… then there go interest payments. Ok if you’re cash-rich… not so good for middle and working classes with any debt exposure… house owners, students, small businesses, employees… etc… this could all go wobbly pudding… IndysouthwestThe Great DepressionIn response to the Smoot-Hawley Tariffs Act signed into law by President Hoover in 1930, tariffs imposed by U.S.’s trading partners in retaliation, along with the act’s direct effects, were major factors in the reduction of American exports and imports by 67% during the Great Depression.We should remember that, along with the U.S. itself, Germany was among the worst affected at the time, and that this was a significant factor in the rise of fascism.This time, fascism appears to be a driving force. RocketoftheNorthTrade diversions due to Trump’s tariffsTrump tariffs offer the UK a potential fortune through trade diversions, expert suggests….Professor Jun Du, of the Aston Business School, said: “The picture for tariff measures may not be clear at the moment, but what is clear is that economies like the UK need to plan for various eventualities and start to put mitigating measures in place.“US tariffs offer the UK a potential fortune through trade diversions, yet these gains could complicate efforts to reset UK–EU relations, amplifying economic divergence, political distrust, and misalignment.”I never thought I’d agree with Gove – but there is one “expert” we can do without. Do they not understand that if the UK acted as a diverter into the EU, they would not get a fortune, they would be crucified by the EU27 and put in the same box with Trump. ArcticFoxEconomic impactIf Trump’s tariffs lead to fears of global recession, then that will cause interest rates to fall. That restores Reeves’s “fiscal headroom” because borrowing costs will fall and slightly ease cost of living issues. Also, any retaliatory tariffs we impose will bring in revenue.I’m not saying any of this is good, but just that it doesn’t automatically ruin the government’s financial plans. Also, if Labour can’t get growth going (and they seem to have no idea how to do this), the next best thing is to have someone else to blame for the lack of growth.Chrisw27Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity. Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day’s top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click ‘log in’ or ‘register’ in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment click here. More