Trump’s tariffs, Brexit and Keir Starmer’s subsequent transfer – Ask John Rentoul Anything | EUROtoday

Welcome to an unique Ask Me Anything session with me, John Rentoul, The Independent’s chief political commentator.

Keep scrolling for extra. If you wish to leap straight to the Q&A, click on right here.

Donald Trump has launched a contemporary wave of tariffs, together with a ten per cent responsibility on all British exports to the US, in a dramatic escalation of his commerce warfare. Dubbed “Liberation Day”, the president’s announcement has despatched shockwaves by way of international markets, with European nations hit even more durable, some dealing with tariffs of as much as 34 per cent.

The UK authorities, below Keir Starmer, has to date did not safe an exemption, although officers insist negotiations are persevering with. Ministers argue that Britain’s 10 per cent tariff – half the extent imposed on EU nations – is an indication of their diplomatic technique paying off; though Brexiteers declare it as a good thing about leaving the EU. Even so, British companies, particularly within the automotive and manufacturing sectors, will nonetheless endure.

In response, the Labour authorities is balancing two key commerce relationships: managing the fallout with the US whereas keeping off calls to pivot again in the direction of Europe. At residence, Starmer’s administration is below stress to behave decisively. The prime minister insists he’ll take a “calm, pragmatic” method, refusing to be drawn into retaliatory tariffs. Business leaders, nonetheless, are rising more and more involved.

So, what does Trump’s newest transfer imply for the UK financial system? How will it influence post-Brexit Britain’s place on the worldwide stage? And what ought to Starmer’s subsequent steps be?

Join me dwell at 1pm BST on Friday, 4 April, as I sort out your questions on tariffs, Brexit, UK-EU relations, and what the markets would possibly do subsequent.

Submit your questions within the feedback beneath. If you are not already a member, click on “sign up” within the feedback part to take part. For a full information on the way to remark, click on right here.

Don’t fear when you can’t see your query instantly – some could also be hidden till the Q&A begins. See you at 1pm!