Editorial 03.02.2025
Trump’s Tariffs Spark Global Tensions and Market Fears
Donald Trump’s new tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico are making headlines, with fears of economic fallout and retaliation. The newspapers also speculate when tariffs for the EU and possibly the UK will come into effect.
Several papers call for the UK to move closer to the US now Trump has returned to the White House whilst other papers suggest moving closer to the EU. It all depends on how Keir Starmer will respond to a bully, think Hugh Grant in Love Actually. The FT.com have said Trump’s Tariffs will result in US being one of the main victims.
Another trending story is proposed changes to Ofsted school inspections in England are under fire, with headteachers and unions calling the new system “worse than the old one.”
The back pages are dominated by Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Champions Manchester City with social media blowing up with ‘stay humble’ comments directed to Erling Haaland. Retaliation for what he said to the Gunners boss last season.
Trump’s Tariffs, Market Fears & EU Leaders On Edge
‘Markets bracing for potential stock drops,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian reports that markets are bracing for potential stock drops after Canada and Mexico vowed to hit back. Market fears began after the US president signed executive orders imposing higher taxes on imports from China, Canada and Mexico.
‘Tariffs will result in US being one of the main victims in harming its economy,’ says the FT.
The Financial Times warns that Trump’s tariffs could raise living costs for Americans and disrupt supply chains. In its editorial, the FT calls the tariffs an “absurdity” which will result in the US being “one of the main victims in the resulting harm to its economy and its standing in the world”. It concludes, bleakly, that Donald Trump’s “trade war threatens to be disastrous, but the chaos will not end there”.
‘EU leaders on edge as Trump threatens tariffs,’ says the Telegraph.
European leaders are also on edge, with The Telegraph highlighting threats of retaliation if the EU faces similar tariffs. But the reverse is also true, if the EU responds in kind, the US will feel it more.
UK Defence, UK Soldier Dead & OnlyFans Crimes
‘UK defence review calls for stronger protections,’ says the i.
Ahead of its release, a new UK defence review is expected to recommend bolstering protections against missile attacks and infrastructure threats from Russia and other hostile states, according to The i paper. The review may also call for more resources to counter hybrid warfare tactics, such as cutting undersea cables and deploying spy ships.
‘Young British soldier killed in Ukraine,’ says The Sun.
The Sun shares the tragic story of 18-year-old James Wilton, a volunteer soldier from Huddersfield who was killed by a Russian drone just minutes into his first mission in Ukraine. Wilton, who had no prior military experience, had flown from Manchester to join Ukraine’s foreign legion. A US volunteer was also seriously injured in the attack.
‘OnlyFans linked to over 1,600 alleged crimes,’ says the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror reveals that more than 1,600 alleged crimes tied to the adult content platform OnlyFans have been reported to police over the past five years. These include cases of rape, blackmail, and child abuse. OnlyFans has stated that proof of consent has been required from all performers in explicit videos since 2020.
Ofsted Reforms Face Backlash
‘Many proposals rejected,’ says the Guardian.
The Guardian reports that many proposals have been rejected as ineffective, leaving the reforms in “disarray.”
‘Parents bewildered,’ says the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph says parents are “bewildered” by the plan to replace one-word reviews of schools with at least 40 points of comparison.
‘Perry’s sister criticises new system,’ says Metro.
The Metro adds that the sister of Ruth Perry, a headteacher who took her own life after her school was rated inadequate, has criticised the new colour-coded rating system as a “rehash of a dangerous system.”
Brexit, Trade Deals & Net Zero Policies
‘Macron to tell Starmer that Brexit has failed,’ reports The Times.
The Times claims that French President Emmanuel Macron will tell UK Labour leader Keir Starmer that his attendance at an EU summit signals the failure of Brexit. An unnamed diplomat told the paper, “In a complicated world, the UK will obviously be closer to Europe.”
‘PM urged to focus on US, not EU,’ says the Express.
The Daily Express argues that the UK should prioritise a free trade deal with the US over ties with the EU, citing “political freedom” flourishing across the Atlantic.
‘Anit-democratic surrender,’ says the Mail.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail warns against “anti-democratic surrender” in its editorial, criticising plans to align the UK with EU net-zero policies, which could raise costs for British energy and manufacturing firms.