MP raises fears over impact of Trump tariffs on Cowley BMW Mini Plant
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds raised the question in the House of Commons
Fears over how Donald Trump’s tariffs could hit workers at Oxford’s BMW Mini plant and surrounding businesses have been raised in parliament.
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds raised the question in the House of Commons on Thursday (April 3) about whether discussions with the European Union (EU) were taking place.
President Trump announced that a 25 per cent tariff would be levied on car imports, which began in the early hours of Thursday morning, while a blanket 10 per cent tariff on UK goods will come into effect from Saturday.
This comes as he unveiled a range of import taxes on countries across the world.
BMW previously said a “trade conflict” between the EU and US would not bring any benefits, and that both sides should find a deal that creates growth and prevents “a spiral of isolation and trade barriers”.
Speaking in parliament to Business Secretary Johnathan Reynolds, Ms Dodds said: “Workers at BMW Cowley are deeply concerned by recent news.
“BMW is right, a trade war would have no benefits, and the Secretary of State is right to engage calmly with his US counterparts.
“But can I ask what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts given how integrated our automotive sector is with that in EU countries?”
Mr Reynolds replied: “In some of our iconic automotive manufacturing brands, BMW, JLR, Aston Martin, who are a particular success in the US market, and therefore exposure to this.
“There is within government very close co-operation between the teams that are working on our EU reset and our trade negotiations in this area.
“So, I can assure her of the alignment of the continuity and consistency of policy in that area.”
City councillor Linda Smith, who represents Blackbird Leys, said: “Generations of Blackbird Leys residents have worked at Cowley car plant.
“The city council understands the importance of BMW Cowley to local livelihoods and its importance to our local economy, that’s why we gave them a special exemption from the Community Infrastructure Levy when plans were approved a year ago to upgrade the factory.
“I’m pleased we now have a Labour government focused on backing British industry and Labour’s plans to support motor manufacturing, through investment in skills, the provision of cheap and reliable energy, domestic EV battery production and growing consumer demand are now more urgently needed than ever.”
The 10 per cent rate for the UK puts them in the lowest “baseline category”, while the European Union’s rate was 20 per cent, Japan’s was 24 per cent and Chinese goods arriving in the US will be hit with a 54 per cent tariff.