Whitehall officers shall be “considering lots of different scenarios”, a Treasury minister has confirmed, amid points regarding the attainable have an effect on of tariffs beneath the incoming Trump presidency.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones talked about that Donald Trump “recognises” the important relationship between the UK and America.
But there are fears regarding the potential have an effect on on the UK monetary system should the US president-elect introduce tariffs as he has beforehand suggested.
Mr Trump talked about before now that he would improve costs on objects imported into the US from across 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 talked about: “Officials will probably be contemplating a number of totally different eventualities however the place of the Government is that we assist free commerce and we assist the buying and selling 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 provide confirmed on Saturday that officers would “continue” to “take advice” to make it possible for 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 provision talked about.
Pushed extra on Sunday morning for a fuller response, Mr Jones declined to the touch upon “sensitive hypothetical future scenarios”.
He talked about: “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 suggested his “gut” is telling him President-elect Donald Trump couldn’t pursue tariffs “against allies like the UK”.
Asked regarding the concern, Mr Murphy, a Democrat, suggested the equivalent Sky News programme: “Do I imagine it? I’m undecided.
“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 is smart – and even that he would pursue it in opposition to allies just like the UK.
“My gut tells me no, but if I’m China, I’m fastening my seat belt right now.”
