Worcestershire Liberal Democrats launch ‘Buy British’ campaign in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs

Worcestershire’s Liberal Democrats, have launched a ‘Buy British’ campaign to support local businesses in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs announced last week on April 2nd.

Cllr Dan Boatright-Greene said that we should “rally round” local businesses in the wake of Donald Trump’s disastrous trade war to make sure that they could stay afloat and protect Worcestershire’s high streets.

Further distress has been caused to farmers in Worcestershire after it was reported in the Times that tariffs on US beef, chicken and pork would all be slashed in a proposed agreement between Trump and the UK. It risks undercutting farmers once more in a deal following the Conservatives disastrous Australia and New Zealand deals for farmers.

It was recently estimated that Trump’s tariffs could wipe out up to 1% of GDP which would push many British businesses to the wall. It could be a “double-whammy” with the Government’s rise in employers' national insurance coming into effect just days later on April 6th. Further turmoil on the markets this week are now having impacts on pensions and investments. 

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for West Worcestershire Dan Boatright-Greene said:

“Countless businesses across the county are terrified about the impending trade war, on top of the Government's disastrous decision to hike national insurance.

“It is time for all of us to rally round our fantastic local businesses and Buy British to support them in their moment of need. We must show Donald Trump that here in Worcestershire we will not be bullied and stand up to his nonsensical trade war.

“This needs to include supporting our brilliant farmers who are at risk of once again being clobbered by a trade deal that effectively sells them out, just as the Conservatives did. Worcestershire’s food and drink industry is vital to our local economy and promoting our producers not only reduces the distances our food travels, but is also an opportunity to enjoy the fantastic food and drink that is produced in our county. From wine and beer to fresh vegetables and fine cuts of meat, Worcestershire has some of the best food in the country.

“It is not just the threat of the Trump administration's tariffs that is causing anxiety for businesses but also the Government’s decision to hammer them with their misguided jobs tax in the coming days. All this spells out to be a double-whammy for our local businesses and we need to make sure we support them where we can.”