Starmer vows no UK-US trade deal without national interest

British Prime Minister confronts Trump’s tariffs and prioritizes domestic industry in transatlantic negotiations.

Jaguar Land Rover CEO Adrian Mardell speaks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to a JLR car factory in Birmingham, central England, on April 7, 2025. Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows no UK-US trade deal without national interest, pushing back against aggressive tariffs announced by President Donald Trump and affirming his commitment to protect British industry. Speaking on Monday, April 7, during a visit to Jaguar Land Rover’s factory in Solihull, Starmer emphasized that the United Kingdom would only pursue a transatlantic trade agreement if it served the country's strategic and economic priorities.

“We will only get a deal if it is in the national interest,” Starmer stated firmly, adding that “strength abroad, security and renewal at home” remained central to his government’s vision. His remarks come amid escalating tensions between London and Washington, triggered by new import duties introduced by the U.S., including a 10 percent base tariff and a 25 percent levy specifically targeting British cars.

The trade outlook has grown increasingly uncertain since Trump returned to the White House and revived his trademark protectionist stance. The new tariffs threaten to severely impact the UK’s automotive sector, a cornerstone of its manufacturing economy and a critical export industry.

Protecting British industry in uncertain times

The prime minister’s visit to the Jaguar Land Rover facility was more than symbolic—it was a calculated move to show solidarity with one of Britain’s most important manufacturers. “These are challenging times, but we chose to come here because we will support you fully,” Starmer told workers at the plant. “This is a statement of intent for our government’s industrial strategy.”

Jaguar Land Rover, a major employer and global brand, could be among the hardest hit by the new tariffs, and Starmer’s appearance sent a clear message: the UK government will not sacrifice domestic jobs or industry to appease the United States. His stance reflects growing anxiety across the business community, particularly as the Trump administration appears determined to use tariffs as a bargaining chip in trade talks.

As the government braces for tough negotiations with the U.S., Starmer’s insistence on prioritizing national interest marks a notable departure from the more concessionary approach seen under previous British leaders. “There will be no deal at any price,” he said, reassuring the public that Britain would not be strong-armed into an agreement that compromises its economic future.

Navigating complex negotiations with the U.S.

Behind the scenes, trade officials in London and Washington are working to craft a possible framework for a UK-US deal, with talks encompassing not just tariffs but also digital taxes aimed at big tech companies. The UK, like several other European nations, has pushed for stricter taxation on multinational digital firms, a point of contention in bilateral discussions.

The British government’s position is that any changes to tax policy must reflect fairness and sovereignty, rather than yielding to external pressure. Starmer’s administration is cautious about entering into a deal that could jeopardize domestic regulatory standards, consumer protections, or economic independence.

“Trade is about partnership, not pressure,” one senior official in the Department for Business and Trade said anonymously. “The UK is open to dialogue but will not be bullied into signing something that does not serve our long-term national goals.”

Economic pressures at home and abroad

The trade standoff is unfolding against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty. On the day of Starmer’s remarks, U.S. markets opened sharply lower, with the Dow Jones and S&P 500 both falling between 4.4 percent and 5 percent. Investors are increasingly worried about a looming global recession, and the return of trade tensions is adding to the instability.

Meanwhile, the UK economy continues to feel the effects of post-Brexit adjustments, inflationary pressures, and reduced consumer spending. Amid these challenges, Starmer’s government is also rolling out measures to support key sectors—especially automotive manufacturing, which remains vital for growth and employment.

To mitigate the impact of the U.S. tariffs and the broader economic downturn, the UK government announced a £2.3 billion investment package to support electric and hybrid vehicle production. The plan includes easing strict emissions targets, accelerating the expansion of electric charging infrastructure, and offering incentives to manufacturers to scale up clean energy technology.

“This is how we protect British industry—by investing in the future,” Starmer said during the announcement. “It’s not just about today’s crisis but about preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

Setting the tone for future diplomacy

While the road ahead for UK-US trade relations remains uncertain, Starmer’s strong stance sets the tone for future diplomacy. His refusal to bend under pressure and his emphasis on protecting national interests signal a more assertive and principled approach to foreign policy.

The prime minister’s visit to Solihull was a deliberate political message to both domestic and international audiences: Britain is willing to negotiate, but not at the expense of its values, industries, or sovereignty. In a time of increasing geopolitical complexity, that message could resonate beyond the UK’s borders.

For British businesses, especially those in export-heavy sectors, Starmer’s comments offer some reassurance that their interests will not be sidelined. And for the electorate, his position reinforces the idea that post-Brexit Britain can—and must—stand its ground on the global stage.

As Starmer vows no UK-US trade deal without national interest, his government walks a fine line between diplomacy and defense. Facing a revived protectionist agenda from Washington and a volatile global economy, the UK is taking a calculated, measured approach to its transatlantic relationships. The focus, as Starmer puts it, remains clear: strength abroad, security at home, and renewal through resilience.