Cliff Notes
- Harriet Harman advises Sir Keir Starmer to clearly communicate that Donald Trump‘s tariffs on UK goods are incorrect and unjustified.
- Financial markets reacted significantly to the announcement of tariffs, with the FTSE 100 experiencing notable fluctuations.
- Harman stresses the importance of providing public reassurance and a clear narrative amidst concerns over economic stability caused by the tariffs.
Starmer needs to publicly say Trump is wrong and give more reassurance over tariffs, Harriet Harman urges
Sir Keir Starmer needs to reassure the public more over tariffs – and tell them Donald Trump is wrong, Harriet Harman has said.
Speaking to Beth Rigby on Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast, the Labour peer said ministers were avoiding the “elephant in the room, which is that Trump is wrong on this, we don’t agree with him”.
The US president placed 10% tariffs on all UK goods exported to the US, and while other countries were much worse hit, the FTSE 100 fell by about 1,000 after Mr Trump’s “liberation day” announcement last week.
It then kicked off its best day in five years on Thursday after Mr Trump decided to defer the worst of his tariffs for 90 days. Financial markets around the world reacted similarly.
Baroness Harman said there was no need for “gratuitous insults” but that the prime minister needed to “own the narrative” because there is “a danger” if the leader of the country is not saying what is actually happening.