UK must 'prepare for the worst' amid US tariff concerns, says UK foreign secretary

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday warned that the country must “prepare for the worst” as discussions with the US over a potential economic agreement intensify.

His comments come ahead of a possible announcement from US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, which is expected to include the introduction of tariffs on imported goods from around the world.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Lammy acknowledged the challenging economic times ahead for businesses in the UK, particularly in light of Trump’s decision to impose a 25% import tax on all cars entering the US.

Lammy stressed the importance of providing “the best support” to UK businesses as they navigate the “turbulent economic time” that lies ahead.

“We are an open trading nation. We have been that under successive governments,” Lammy said.

“It’s hugely important at this time that we continue the intense conversations we’re having with the US administration on getting an economic agreement but of course we prepare for the worst – all options remain on the table, as the Prime Minister indicated again just yesterday.”

He also highlighted the government’s ongoing engagement with business and industry leaders to ensure they receive the necessary support during this period of economic uncertainty, both in the UK and globally.

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller raised concerns about the impact of Trump’s global tariff war on UK businesses.

Miller urged Lammy to support initiating talks on a bespoke UK-EU customs union to protect British businesses.

In response, Lammy emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the US on the trade front, but noted the necessity of preparing for the worst-case scenario.

“It’s right that the Business Secretary and I and others across government continue to engage with business and industry so we can give them the best support,” Lammy said.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel questioned Lammy on the role of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the ongoing trade negotiations with the US.

She asked whether the UK would be pursuing a comprehensive trade deal, similar to those that the Conservative government had previously aimed for.

Lammy responded by criticizing the Conservative government’s handling of the US trade talks. “No, because the Conservative government badly failed in their negotiations with the US,” he said.

“We are engaged in intense conversations to strike an economic agreement at this time. We continue discussions with our Indian counterparts also on a trade deal and with the Gulf, picking up the failure of the last government to land the trade deals that would deliver growth to this country.”