President Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” trade shock forced Starmer into a hasty deal with Washington. But behind the headlines, Britain faces tariffs, uncertainty and concessions that could haunt its economy and politics well into 2026, says Stuart Mackintosh.

In the spring President Trump announced his global trade shock ‘Liberation Day’ on April 2, and the UK confronted tariff hikes of 10 percent across the board and 25 percent on aluminium and steel. Countries across the world were hit, as trade rules were dismantled en masse, and tariff rates rose to levels not seen since the 1930s. PM Kier Starmer moved quickly. Barely a month later, on May 8, Starmer announced an Economic Prosperity Deal with America. The deal done with the US, was said President Trump, “A great deal for both countries.” But was it really?

The deal was a rush job. Today 10 percent tariffs remain in force across most UK sectors, and an auto sales provision allows for exports to the US of up to 100,000 vehicles. Tariffs on steel and aluminum may potentially be rolled back but when is unclear. Importantly aerospace and pharmaceuticals got relief from 10 percent tariffs.

In return, the UK agreed to negotiate on AI rules, agree to future opening UK agricultural markets to US producers, opening public procurement to US firms, and a potential roll back of UK digital services taxes. In........

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