Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged the US as “our closest ally” while emphasising that “nothing is off the table” in response to President Trump’s 10% tariffs on UK imports.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is back in the headlines after an impact assessment revealed the chancellor’s welfare overhaul – aimed to get more people back in work – could see even more people signed off. 

An analysis of the Cold War’s economic impact revealed that the “Iron Curtain” represented a tariff equivalent of 48%, suggesting serious trade restrictions may arise amid current geopolitical tensions.

Wednesday’s news headlines are dominated – in print and online – by one story and one story only. The US is set to unveil its newest tariffs, which are expected to hit every country with what the US media is reporting to be a blanket 20% tariff on all non-American goods. The headlines range from the stock markets, the UK’s attempts for a last-minute exemption, and how the tariffs threaten to unbalance the books for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Beyond the tariffs, there are a handful of other stories dominating the UK news including an armed man being shot dead at Milton Keynes station, the ongoing row between Prince Harry and the charity he founded, and news that 23 more women have made allegations against serial rapist Zhenhao Zou.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed federal prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for Luigi M., accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.

Oscar Arias, former President of Costa Rica, announced the US has revoked his visa following his criticisms of President Trump on social media.