UK-US TRADE: “Caving in to a bully is not something to be celebrated”, campaigners say
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump shake hands at the White House

UK-US TRADE: “Caving in to a bully is not something to be celebrated”, campaigners say

Date: 8 May 2025
Campaigns: Trade

Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now said:

Today’s deal between the UK and US was about appeasing Trump. While there are limited tariff reductions, we remain in a much worse position than we were six months ago. What’s more, Trump could impose new tariffs at any time because Starmer has proven to him that his threats work: caving in to a bully is not something to be celebrated. Today’s press conference also fires the starting gun on a genuinely scary, fuller trade deal, and there are strong indications our rights, standards and protections will be up for grabs in that larger agreement. Unless we stand up to this deal, the British public will pay a very high price for Starmer’s friendship with Donald Trump.”