Now Trump is targeting the U.K. with tarriffs how should Sir Keir handle a response?

Lots of calls for Starmer/Reeves to re-think the fiscal rules they have set themselves.

Imo they will have little choice as the economy begins to slow. Reeves must boost growth and investment by apply Keynesian expansionary fiscal policies, which should mean more government spending.

But this must be down soon before an inevitable downturn becomes embedded.

I wonder what the comments on this thread will look like. In one year's time.

Lots of advice for Starmer in the Sundays.

The general opinion is that the world order is indeed changing, and that the USA will never be entirely trusted again. To that end the suggestion is that we look to Mark Carney to provide leadership to bring the E7 [minus USA) Canada, the EU, the U.K. and commonwealth countries interested in a new grouping, which also includes Japan and South Korea - with common mutual tariffs, market access rules and strong challenge to things like Musk’s X - something the EU is planning. If, at a later date the USA wants to join, it will be welcome providing it is willing to adhere to the rules already set.

Sounds like a plan which I hope is already being formulated in one form or another, as we can’t continue as we are.

Defence of course must continue to be strengthened by us all.

Depending I guess on what Starmer does - re tariffs. But if Starmer simply waits it out, in the short term inflation in the U.K. May go down, because China and other tariff hit countries, may try to off load their goods at discounted prices.

And it isn’t just cheap tat - some quite high end stuff is made in China. E.g. I was surprised to notice a LKBennett sweater with the China label.

All the technical stuff - off which I have no knowledge - will want to find a tariff free home I assume?

Things are massively changing, but it is difficult to predict exactly what will happen I think as trade is so much more complicated than Trump seems to be assuming - based it seems on the 19th century model which existed during the presidency of McKinley.

Landrover announced a pause to exports to US for a month, they send 25% of their production to the US, but have 2 months stock already there.

Other exporters will also have stocks

“As for being the "leaders of the free world", America isolated by its own hand can't take that position”

This is the reality, the free world is now leaderless, until common sense returns, there is no alternative leader we just srabble for our own interests.

Just for www.facebook.com/reel/643388825157944

NotSpaghetti

Can I add a bit of humour to this rather grim thread?
Massive protests:

x.com/TheMaineWonk/status/1907852816183398819

🤣🤣🤣

Loved one poster "Dear world, we are sorry.
Love, sane Americans"

Cheer up with this anti trump demo, this one New York, interviews.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTJaiW8CyKU

I like that NotSpaghetti!

Can I add a bit of humour to this rather grim thread?
Massive protests:

x.com/TheMaineWonk/status/1907852816183398819

Sorry, should have finished by saying you seem to have completely changed your tune FGT. What a change.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

President Trump's over-simplistic fixation with trade imbalances has finally concentrated the minds of many world leaders on how quickly we, Western democratic nations, are losing control of major parts of our economies.

Offshoring, once a cost-saving blessing, can be seen as a curse for much of what we once cherished. China's intellectual theft over many decades has now been fully exposed.

Except the "world leaders" were moving in that direction anyway and he has brought his country to the point where it may well never be forgiven. This betrayal may well have damage them for the foreseeable future. Increasingly both European leaders and commentators are saying that the relationship with Europe is permanently wrecked.

Although KS is trying to mitigate the damage and protect Ukraine while Europe and its allies re-arm Downing Street have issued a statement saying that Trump's tariffs have created a new era in global economics. The USA will no longer be considered trustworthy. Vance's speach in Munich caused such offence that it shattered any illusion of alignment between America and Europe based on WW2.

As for being the "leaders of the free world", America isolated by its own hand can't take that position.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Let’s Buy British where we can!

You seem yo have changed your tune.

Oh sorry

FGTs post 13.24

Whitewavemark2

Who wrote that. It would be good to know so that I can understand where the author is coming from.

Which are you referring to please?

FriedGreenTomatoes2

President Trump's over-simplistic fixation with trade imbalances has finally concentrated the minds of many world leaders on how quickly we, Western democratic nations, are losing control of major parts of our economies.

Offshoring, once a cost-saving blessing, can be seen as a curse for much of what we once cherished. China's intellectual theft over many decades has now been fully exposed.

It is over simplification because it far from being just the flow of goods. International financing which crosses borders in the mot complex ways - including actual international finance companies has as much effect as the movement of actual goods.

Trumps own companies are involved in this process.

As someone said - can’t remember where - might have been Trip.

Whilst Trump is fiddling around with tariffs, women’s reproduction rights, immigration etc.
China is constructing huge scientific sites. Apparently one just completed with 10s of thousands of scientists, engineers etc is the size of 26 football pitches.

Trump doesn’t stand a chance unless he ups his game considerably.

Who wrote that. It would be good to know so that I can understand where the author is coming from.

China's intellectual theft has been well documented though - also over many years.

Just ask the fashion/engineering industries

President Trump's over-simplistic fixation with trade imbalances has finally concentrated the minds of many world leaders on how quickly we, Western democratic nations, are losing control of major parts of our economies.

Offshoring, once a cost-saving blessing, can be seen as a curse for much of what we once cherished. China's intellectual theft over many decades has now been fully exposed.

NotSpaghetti

10% is his "minimum tariff" Allira

Nobody is getting less - except the "dubious" ones!

I suppose they do export all those penguin movies 🤔🐧🐧🐧

Let’s Buy British where we can!

I suppose the fact that 10% is the minimum in and of itself proves they aren't reciprocal!