Blair, who tried to embody the so-called special relations between Great Britain and the United States during his decade in power in 1997-2007, said that Great Britain would not benefit from an antagonistic response.
“I do not think that retaliation is in the best interest of Great Britain,” he told King's College London diplomatically, commenting on the duties imposed by Donald Trump, which he was the first to convey “The Independent”. The former prime minister praised his successor for preserving “cold blood” in response to the customs.
British ministers emphasized that intensively are working on achieving an economic agreement with the USA, which would allow the abolition of customs. However, treasury minister James Murray said on Friday Sky News that British companies were asked to indicate products in which customs would harm them the least.
“We want to involve the company in this decision and we must be clarity that we are considering all options,” said Murray. “We reserve the right to retaliation, but we want agreement and we fully focus on it” – he noted.
PAP / EPA / JIM LO SCALZO / POOL / PAP
US President Donald Trump with a document from the Office of the United States Trade Representative during the announcement of mutual customs tariffs towards US trading partners in the Rose White House in Washington, USA, April 2, 2025.
Trump about Starmer: He was happy with how we treated them
Donald Trump said Starmer was pleased that Great Britain avoided 20 %. customs imposed on EU goods. “We have a very good dialogue,” said the US president on Thursday. “I think he was very happy with how we treated them with tariffs,” he added.
Blair, a former prime minister on behalf of the Labor Party, who for the most part of his premiere cooperated with the Republican US President George W. Bush, also expressed concern about the weakened support of Trump for NATO. After the war in Kosovo in 1990, Blair said that he tried to encourage European countries to increase defense expenditure.
“It became clear to me that without Americans we would never do it. I thought:» This is madness – what will happen if the Americans decide that they do not want to be it [NATO] Blair said? “” But it got involved in a whole bunch of eurosceptic arguments. “
Continuation of the material under the video
Great Britain regrets the “return to protectionism” of the USA
Meanwhile, the British Foreign Minister David Lammy said on Friday that the support of US President Donald Trump for protectionism by imposing huge world duties is regrettable.
Speaking at the headquarters of NATO, Lamma told reporters that America's reluctance to free trade is not his preferred policy, gently criticizing the White House for imposing duties on almost all countries in the world.
“Great Britain, like France, is a great maritime nation,” told Lamma journalists. “We are a nation that believes in open trade and I regret the return to protectionism in the United States, which we have not seen for almost a century.”
The British government is currently trying to conclude an economic agreement with the USA, which would endure 10 % duties for export. Lammy, like the Minister of Treasury James Murray, added, however, warning: “We have absolutely clearly put the matter that all options are on the table because we secure the national interests of the British who will be very concerned about how it will affect their financial results and economic well -being.”
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
