Whitehall officers shall be “considering lots of different scenarios”, a Treasury minister has confirmed, amid issues concerning the attainable affect of tariffs underneath the incoming Trump presidency.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones mentioned that Donald Trump “recognises” the vital relationship between the UK and America.
But there are fears concerning the potential affect on the UK financial system ought to the US president-elect introduce tariffs as he has beforehand advised.
Mr Trump mentioned prior to now that he would enhance charges on items imported into the US from around the globe by 10%, rising to 60% on these coming from China.
Asked about attainable tariffs on Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme, Mr Jones mentioned: “Officials will be considering lots of different scenarios but the position of the Government is that we support free trade and we support the trading relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“It’s a very strong, very fruitful relationship, both for us but also for the American economy and of course we want to protect that and strengthen it in the years ahead.”
He added: “And I think President-elect Trump has said that. He recognises the important relationship the US has with the UK, and that’s the basis on which we will be co-operating in future years.”
A Government supply confirmed on Saturday that officers would “continue” to “take advice” to make sure that Britain was “in the best possible position”.
“We look forward to working closely with President Trump’s team to strengthen UK-US trading relations to support businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” the supply mentioned.
Pushed additional on Sunday morning for a fuller response, Mr Jones declined to touch upon “sensitive hypothetical future scenarios”.
He mentioned: “You’ll have to forgive me, I’m not a commentator, I’m a Cabinet minister. As I’ve said, it’s appropriate for officials to plan for different scenarios but you are asking me to comment on sensitive hypothetical future scenarios.”
But the governor of New Jersey state Phil Murphy has advised his “gut” is telling him President-elect Donald Trump couldn’t pursue tariffs “against allies like the UK”.
Asked concerning the concern, Mr Murphy, a Democrat, advised the identical Sky News programme: “Do I believe it? I’m not sure.
“I think if you and I were sitting and speaking about the People’s Republic of China, I’d believe it.”
He added: “I don’t know that that makes sense – or even that he would pursue it against allies like the UK.
“My gut tells me no, but if I’m China, I’m fastening my seat belt right now.”
