On 18 April 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had an eye-opening phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. It was their first discussion since the imposition of damaging tariffs by the US on UK goods, and marked a troubling new phase in UK-US relations.
The dialogue focused on ongoing trade negotiations, with Starmer expressing his frustration at the US tariffs that have heavily disrupted the global market. Despite some recovery due to exceptions and delays, the tariffs, particularly the 10% levy on all UK imports and 25% on cars, steel, and aluminium, will have long-lasting consequences for the UK economy and international trade.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have both sounded alarms about the potential contraction of global trade caused by these tariffs, which have also strained relations with many countries.
The leaders’ conversation also ventured into geopolitics, discussing the conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, and Yemen, where Trump’s self-interested foreign policies continue to stoke tensions. His planned state visit to the UK further highlights the uncomfortable reality of maintaining ties with a leader whose actions threaten global stability and economic growth.
Reactions to Trump and US tariffs
Even before the current fallout from Trump’s self-serving and isolationist policies, an earlier state visit by Trump highlighted the challenges of maintaining UK-US ties, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy tweeted at the time:
“Deluded, dishonest, xenophobic, narcissistic, Donald Trump is no friend of Britain. He is not fit to hold public office, let alone worthy of our country’s highest honours and a banquet with the Queen. Theresa May is selling out the UK to a serial liar and a cheat.” (22 April 2019)
In a more recent reflection on the need for international cooperation, London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted on 17 April 2025:
“Tariffs and isolationism hurt everyone. We must advocate for international cooperation and open trade globally. Good to speak to MSNBC Morning Joe about why it’s vital for the UK and London to maintain strong ties with the USA.”
New study shows the high costs of Brexit to the UK economy
Sadiq Khan has been one of the strongest voices in the UK pointing out the severe economic impacts of Brexit. On 11 January 2024, Khan presented research showing that Brexit has cost the UK economy an astounding £140 billion, with London’s economy shrinking by over £30 billion. The study, which was carried out by Cambridge Econometrics and commissioned by City Hall, revealed that Brexit has led to the loss of 290,000 jobs in London alone, and has exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis, particularly in rising food prices.
Khan has been advocating for a closer relationship with the EU, recognising that the economic losses from Brexit are not only profound but also irreversible without a concerted effort to rebuild ties with European nations. The Econometrics research suggests that, unless urgent action is taken, the UK economy faces a more than £300 billion loss by 2035. Khan has been vocal in urging the UK government to focus on evidence-based policies that prioritise the long-term economic stability of the country, rather than continuing down a path of political dogma.
Public opinion favours deepening ties with Europe
A recent poll conducted by YouGov for Best for Britain reveals the widespread public sentiment against deepening trade ties with the US in the wake of Trump’s tariffs. The poll found that 43% of respondents believe the UK should strengthen its trade relationships with the EU, while only 14% support improving relations with the US with the aim of convincing Trump to remove the tariffs. A further 20% of respondents favour pursuing trade partnerships with other countries, such as Japan or Brazil.
The data clearly indicates a preference for re-engaging with the EU – even among Conservative voters (31%). The results reflect a growing public recognition that the US’s approach to trade is one that isolates and harms, while Europe offers a more reliable and mutually beneficial partnership.
Protests, pushbacks, and boycotts
The US tariffs have ignited international resistance, with several countries implementing boycotts of US goods in response. In Canada, an ongoing trade dispute with the US has escalated into a widespread movement to boycott US products and restrict travel tourism to the US. Over 90% of Canadians now say they support a full boycott of US imports, a move that has seriously affected US businesses, particularly in the tourism sector. In February 2025, Canadian tourism to the US dropped by 12.5%.
In Europe, public discontent has also grown, with grassroots campaigns and protests targeting US brands, particularly those linked to Trump, such as Tesla. Countries like France and Germany have seen a notable decline in US-bound tourism, with many Europeans cancelling trips due to the current political climate in the US and travel warnings about the US from their own governments.
These boycotts, while not universal, illustrate a global pushback against America’s economic nationalism and growing resistance to its punitive tariffs, which have destabilised global markets and strained international relationships.
Ukraine stance means a balancing act for the UK
In a highly controversial move, the US government has proposed recognising Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea as part of a peace agreement aimed at freezing the conflict in Ukraine. As reported by Reuters on 22 April 2025, this proposal, which was presented to Ukraine in Paris, marks a disturbing shift in US foreign policy that risks alienating its European allies. Having strongly opposed Russia’s actions in Ukraine, many European nations see this as a betrayal of core western values, undermining international efforts to hold Russia accountable.
For the UK, this latest US proposal adds a new dimension to its foreign policy challenges: how to navigate the delicate balance of maintaining ties with both the US and the EU in the face of such divisive actions.
EU and UK close to a new agreement on defence
On a more positive note, the Guardian reported on 22 April 2025 that the EU and UK are moving towards a defence deal that will allow British arms companies to access the EU’s €150bn SAFE fund for military procurement. This deal, which would treat the UK similarly to European countries for defence projects under the “buy European” rule, marks a significant step forward in post-Brexit cooperation.
Crucially, both sides have emphasised that the agreement will not be tied to fishing rights, despite pressure from some EU nations to include such preconditions. This is a welcome development for the UK, as it looks to secure more balanced and mutually beneficial agreements with Europe, moving away from the divisive politics seen in its dealings with the US.
Shifting global landscape means the UK must move closer to Europe
The imposition of US tariffs under the Trump administration has catalysed significant shifts in both the UK’s and the global economy. Public sentiment in the UK is shifting strongly towards the need for stronger ties with the EU, reflecting broader discontent with the US’s increasingly isolationist and protectionist stance. And responding to a major public petition calling for the UK to rejoin the EU as soon as possible, the government said that it is determined to “reset the UK-EU relationship”.
In light of the recent US proposal on Crimea and the growing momentum of the EU-UK defence deal, it is becoming increasingly clear that the future stability and prosperity of the UK lies not with an unpredictable and often antagonistic US, but with a Europe that offers mutual support, shared values, and far more reliable long-term opportunities. To secure its economic future, the UK must immediately rejoin the EU Single Market, or consider alternatives like European Free Trade Association (EFTA) membership, to regain full access and integration.
By reducing its reliance on a US administration that has proven harmful to the UK’s interests, the UK can strengthen its position within Europe, ensuring a more stable and prosperous future.
