By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-04-05 12:04:31 | Updated at 2025-04-06 01:56:19
14 hours ago
Nigel Farage has revealed a unique benefit of Donald Trump's trade war amid fears about the potential impact on Britain's economy.
Speaking on GB News from a farm in his Clacton constituency, the Reform UK leader suggested the 10 per cent tariff imposed on British goods, compared to 20 per cent for the EU is a sign of strength.
He urged Britain to seize this opportunity to "do Brexit properly."
Farage told the People's Channel: "The fact that Trump gave us 10 per cent tariffs, which by the way is not good, but the fact that he gave us 10 per cent, not 20 per cent, kind of shows that the world now views us differently since we've left the European Union.
"They said, 'Oh, well, we were so busy with the pandemic'. Whatever the reasons, from fishing to financial services, we can make things more streamlined. We can make things more competitive.
"We shouldn't even think about tariff retaliation. In fact, we should do the opposite. We should start lowering tariffs on food and products from around the world.
"Let's become a truly competitive economy. So, I actually think this could be a wake-up call that, if we get it right, could really benefit us."
The Reform UK leader added: "Well, the European Union has made it very clear that they will reciprocate in some way. Canada will reciprocate in some way. China already has reciprocated.
"We should not do so. We should rise above this, become a much more competitive country, and be a lot richer as a result."
When pushed on the international fallout of his trade war, Trump claimed Sir Keir Starmer was satisfied with the outcome.
Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One on Thursday, Trump said: "We have a very good dialogue. I think he was very happy about how we treated them with tariffs."
Treasury Minister James Murray refused to endorse Trump's assessment when questioned by broadcasters on Friday.
Donald Trump said Starmer is happy with the tariffs
REUTERS
"We're disappointed at tariffs being imposed globally," Murray told Times Radio.
He acknowledged Britain's "better position than many other economies" with the lower tariff band, but emphasised the Government's focus on securing an economic deal.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has shared his regret over America's "return to protectionism" following Trump's tariff announcement.
Speaking after meeting with Nato counterparts in Brussels, Lammy said: "We are a nation that believes in open trade, and I regret the return to protectionism in the United States, something that we've not seen for nearly a century."
