As the prime minister grapples with the US trade tariffs, trade unions and business groups are pushing him to negotiate closer ties with the EU

Summary

Keir Starmer faces growing pressure from Labour’s key financial backers, trade unions, and business leaders to forge closer UK-EU ties after Trump’s new tariffs sparked economic concerns.

The U.S. imposed a 10% tariff on the UK and 25% on key sectors, endangering 25,000 UK car jobs.

A TUC poll shows 66% of Britons now support stronger EU ties. Labour MPs and pro-EU groups argue Starmer’s Brexit red lines are outdated.

Critics warn ignoring EU alignment risks deeper economic damage.