Why Starmer’s trade diplomacy may still bear fruit despite 10% tariffs on UK

Retaliation may not be needed as Britain likely to be front of the queue' in agreeing deal to redraw trade relationship

What is the best way to respond to Donald Trump and his sweeping tariffs? Keir Starmer thinks the answer is to tread softly, softly - while engaging in intensive negotiations behind the scenes.

There are signs that this strategy is bearing fruit. On Wednesday night, the president announced reciprocal tariffs on countries throughout the world" including a 10% import tax on UK exports to the US - crucially, lower than the 20% imposed on the EU. The 10% rate was the lowest rate Trump announced and applied to several other countries including Australia, Singapore and Brazil.

100 days of Trump's presidency, with Jonathan Freedland and guests