Wiltshire MP calls for PM to act after Trump imposes UK tariffs
Melksham & Devizes MP Brian Mathew says we must stand with our allies in the face of the US President's "bullying"
The UK Government must act immediately to prevent a global trade war, a Wiltshire MP has said.
On Wednesday night, US President Donald Trump slapped a 10% tariff on US imports of UK goods as he set out sweeping trade levies hitting countries across the world.
Melksham and Devizes MP Brian Mathew said we must stand alongside our allies against Trump's "bullying".
"Despite being one of the US's most long standing allies and the government offering to water down our tax on US tech billionaires, we've been awarded with the same tariff rates as Iran," Mr Mathew said.
He's calling on Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer to bring together European and Commonwealth partners in a "coalition of the willing" against the tariffs imposed.
"We should use retaliatory tariffs where necessary and signing new trade deals with each other where possible," he said.
Mr Mathew warned caving to the US President's actions now would pave the way for further use of bully tactics in the future.
He said: "If the government give in to Trump's threats, it will only encourage him to use the same bullying tactics again and again.
"Trump's tariffs make it even more urgent for the government to negotiate a better trade deal with our European neighbours, with the aim of a new customs union by 2030."