Browsing: Politics

Friday’s UK headlines are similar to headlines from around the world: the fallout from Donald Trump’s tariffs after “trillions” have been wiped off the global stock markets. 

On Wednesday, Trump announced a baseline tariff on almost every country in the world of at least 10% – whilst some countries face much higher levies, with the EU being hit with 20%. 

Since the announcement, global markets have experienced significant declines, with both the US and European markets reporting their worst one-day losses since the COVID-19 pandemic and raising concerns about a potential recession and international retaliation. Economists are warning of a ‘spiral of doom’, suggesting that retaliatory measures could lead to further economic destabilisation. 

Elsewhere, a probe into the bitter dispute surrounding Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale. The Charity Commission said it had opened a case to examine “concerns raised” about Sentebale, following claims made by its head, Sophie Chandauka. Prince Harry has said he hopes the watchdog will “unveil the truth”.

Trump announces fresh wave of US tariffs – Almost all of Thursday’s headlines are dissecting the tariffs announced by the US president yesterday. The UK was hit with a baseline 10% tariff, whilst the EU (who are preparing to retaliate) were hit with a 20% levy – some countries fared even worse with fees as high as 40%.

The UK newspapers generally express relief that the tariffs were not as bad for the UK as expected, with right-leaning media highlighting Brexit’s role in saving Britain from the 20% levy for the EU. The tariffs are set to come into effect on Saturday, with some headlines reporting there is still wiggle room for a deal to be carved out between the UK and US before the tax comes into effect.

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.