PM promises to protect British business amid tariff chaos

Today’s headlines – in print and online – are, of course, dominated by the ongoing fallout from Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs as the PM promises to protect British business and stock markets continue to fall. There are fears of a US recession – and a global economic meltdown.

Trump officials vow to stay the course on tariffs despite market turmoil

Explainer: The headline carries a subtle bias by framing the officials’ stance as stubborn or unyielding in the face of economic instability. The phrase “vow to stay the course” suggests a rigid persistence, while “despite market turmoil” implies recklessness or disregard for negative consequences, potentially casting the administration’s policy in a critical light.

• The FT reports that Donald Trump’s top economic officials vowed to press ahead with bruising tariffs on imports from around the world, rejecting fears of a looming recession as investors braced for new turmoil in financial markets.

‘Build British‘: Starmer to ease petrol car ban in race to shield UK from trade war

Explainer: The headline suggests a bias by portraying Starmer’s policy shift as a reactive, almost desperate move, implied by the phrase “in race to shield.” The use of “Build British” in quotes may also hint at nationalism or populism, subtly questioning the authenticity or effectiveness of his approach, while the framing could be seen as endorsing a protectionist stance.

• The i newspaper reports on the easing of the ban on manufacturing petrol cars, described by the paper as an effort to “shield” the UK from a trade war and boost the car industry. The paper says the government expects to move towards a “more interventionist state” to work directly with businesses to compensate for the “damage done” by the new US tariffs.

Green rules relaxed to protect UK car industry

Explainer: The headline reflects bias by implying a trade-off between environmental responsibility and economic interests. The word “relaxed” downplays the potential environmental impact, while “to protect” frames the move as necessary and defensive, subtly justifying the decision and aligning it with national economic priorities, potentially minimising criticism of weakening green policies.

• The Times says it will be “cheaper and easier” to own an electric car as the prime minister warns Trump’s tariffs are “not a phase”. In his first formal response to the tariffs imposed by the US, the prime minister will set out in a speech today measures designed to prop up the car industry in the face of the 25 per cent tax, which came into force last week.

Labour ‘will support key industries‘ hit by tariffs

Explainer: The headline shows a mild bias by presenting Labour’s stance in a positive, proactive light. The use of quotation marks around “will support key industries” lends emphasis and suggests a firm commitment, framing the party as protective and responsive without questioning the implications or feasibility of such support.

• The Guardian reports that Labour will “support key industries” to shelter vulnerable sectors from the 10% US tariffs slapped on the UK. In addition to the car companies, life science industries are expected to be among those receiving extra support. 

Starmer confirms 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and plans to help industry hit by Trump tariffs

Explainer: The headline carries a subtle bias by portraying Starmer as both decisive and supportive. The word “confirms” suggests strong leadership and clarity, while “plans to help” frames him as responsive and considerate of economic pressures, presenting his actions in a balanced yet favourable light without critical scrutiny.

• The Independent reports the PM has promised ‘bold changes’ to rules over electric cars in the face of US tariffs. The paper reports the prime minister’s announcement follows Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to suspended shipments to the US over the weekend, as they look to “address the new trading terms”.

Ally calls for free trade with Europe: Musk’s Trump tariff

Explainer: The headline hints at bias through its framing and word choice. Referring to the tariff as “Musk’s Trump tariff” links it emotively to two polarising figures, potentially evoking negative connotations. Meanwhile, “calls for free trade” positions the “ally” as rational and solution-focused, implicitly contrasting their stance with the more controversial nature of the tariff itself.

• Metro leads with Elon Musk’s calls for the US to have free trade with Europe in what the paper calls an “undermining” of Trump’s tariff orders. Musk “advised against” the 20% tax on European imports and the 10% on UK goods, the paper says.

---

International stock markets tumble as Trump calls tariffs ‘medicine’ – WTX News

PM pledges to protect UK companies from Trump tariffs – WTX News