'This was because of Brexit!' Donald Trump pours scorn on 'unfair' EU as he hails UK trade deal

Rule out EU 'alignment' once and for all, furious Shadow Business Secretary tells Labour

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has told Labour to "rule out today once and for all any form of dynamic alignment" with the European Union.

He asked: "Whilst businesses continue to suffer and struggle with elevated US tariffs, while they face quotas and uncertainty, will [Trade Minister Douglas Alexander] finally take steps with his colleagues to ease the burden his Government chose to impose on them?

"Will he announce a pause of the devastating jobs tax until a full trade agreement can be concluded?

"Will he stop the surge in business rates that so many businesses are facing, and will he finally shelve the 'Un-Employment Bill' that is already seeing businesses cutting jobs and choking under 300 pages of incoming red tape?

"Finally, will he ask the Prime Minister to sack his Energy Secretary, and finally produce a real policy to cut energy to globally competitive levels?"

On the EU, Griffith had earlier asked: "As they limber up to their surrender summit later this month, I ask the minister to rule out today once and for all any form of dynamic alignment."

Alexander later said: "This is jobs saved - not job done.

"This House has debated Brexit innumerable times over the years since 2016. I would simply observe we as Government are more interested in new markets than old arguments."

Sir Keir Starmer reacts as Pope Leo XIV elected

Sir Keir Starmer said: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world.

“Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment.

“As Pope Francis’ papacy showed, the Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the major issues of our time; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world.

“I look forward to meeting the Holy Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church here in the UK and internationally to advance our shared values and the common good.”

Jonathan Reynolds vows NO concessions to Donald Trump after trade deal announcement

This afternoon's trade deal does not include any concessions on the digital services tax, the Online Safety Act, or the NHS, the Business Secretary has said.

Speaking to reporters in Westminster, Jonathan Reynolds said: "Just to be absolutely clear about what is not in this agreement.

"There is nothing in this agreement in relation to online harms or the Online Safety Act. There's nothing in this agreement in relation to digital services tax. Nothing in the agreement in relation to the NHS."

Pressed on Labour's efforts to reduce or even remove the 10 per cent tariffs Trump has imposed on most goods entering the US, Reynolds added: “The process by which we will continue the negotiation with the US about those wider tariff lines and the 10 per cent reciprocal tariff continues. There is no deadline for that.”

"I think it is also vindication of the cool, calm, engaged approach we’ve taken to the US, even though this has been the challenging agenda for every country in the world."

'Reform's here to stay!' Suella Braverman REFUSES to rule out defection

Ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman has yet again refused to rule out defecting to Reform UK.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Braverman said: "Well, I’m a member of the Conservative Party, I was elected by the great people of Fareham and Waterlooville as a Conservative Member of Parliament.

“And I’m working as a Conservative and I’ve been a member of the party, I think I’m losing count of the decades now actually. I was one of those geeks who joined in her teenage years, I think I was 14 or 15, to help my mum.

“I was encouraged by my mum. She was a Conservative councillor at the time in Brent so really I joined up to deliver leaflets for her to be honest. So really this is many decades and it’s in my family.”

When asked if Reform UK could collapse like the SDP in the 1980s, the ex-Home Secretary added: “I just can’t see that happening given the strength of support.

“I think the combination of speaking to people’s frustration and sense of betrayal, their reforms and their policies on think like the ECHR and net zero and woke and meritocracy and patriotism, and the fact that they are gaining support not just in Conservative heartlands, but in Labour heartlands – I think it’s a very strong set of circumstances for Reform.

“And we’ve got to face the fact that Reform is here to stay. That’s my very strong view.”

READ IN FULL: National Farmers' Union president reacts to trade deal

National Farmers’ Union president Tom Bradshaw said: “We find ourselves in this position as a direct result of tariffs introduced by the US administration in April. This is not something anybody wanted.

“Since then, we have worked tirelessly on behalf of British agriculture, engaging closely with the UK government to ensure our farmers receive a fair and balanced outcome within this deal and that the public is not exposed to lower standard produce.

“We appreciate the Government’s efforts in listening to our concerns, particularly around maintaining high standards, protecting sensitive agricultural sectors and securing reciprocal access for beef.

“For several years, we’ve campaigned with the UK’s agricultural attaches in Washington for market access for British beef, a product globally respected for its quality and strong environmental credentials.

“These efforts have contributed to enabling the UK government to secure ring-fenced access for British beef exports to the US.

“However, the inclusion of a significant volume of bioethanol in the deal raises concerns for British arable farmers.

“We’ll be engaging closely with our members to help them understand and prepare for the potential impact.”

Starmer: Film industry tariffs still under discussion with US

Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain is still "discussing" potential tariffs on the UK film industry after Donald Trump vowed to slap levies on all foreign-made movies.

"Obviously there aren’t any tariffs in place on film at the moment," the Prime Minister said.

"Of course, we're discussing it with the President's team. We'll take the same approach as we've taken on other issues," he said.

"For me, what matters is acting in the national interest and making sure that everything that we do is good for working people in this country... whether it's steel and aluminium, whether it's car building, whether it's pharmaceuticals or film, we are brilliant in these things."

Keir Starmer vows US trade deal does NOT mean Britain is turning away from EU - despite Trump hailing Brexit breakthrough

Sir Keir Starmer has said this afternon's trade deal did not mean choosing the US over the European Union - just 11 days before he hosts a major summit between Britain and Brussels.

He said: "I genuinely believe that we can have a good relationship and agreement with the US and a good relationship and a good agreement with the EU.

"That's why the red lines have been really important in the way that we've negotiated this."

He added that the deal showed the importance of "not doing politics as performance but doing politics as the serious art of negotiation".

Liz Truss: 'This is one of the biggest benefits of Brexit - and it's a long time in the making!'

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has come out to back this afternoon's "fantastic" UK-US trade deal.

Truss, a staunch free trade proponent, said: "Fantastic to see the UK US trade deal struck - one of the biggest benefits of Brexit.

"It's been a long time in the making. And I'm confident that this is just the start."

Tories in turmoil as Kemi Badenoch contradicted by her own frontbench on trade deal reactions

The Conservatives have been drawn into turmoil after this afternoon's trade deal announcement - with Kemi Badenoch and her own Shadow Business Secretary issuing contradicting messages at the same time.

Tory leader Badenoch had said: "When Labour negotiates, Britain loses. We cut our tariffs - America tripled theirs. Keir Starmer called this 'historic'. It's not historic, we've just been shafted!"

Then, Andrew Griffith said: "The reduction in tariffs announced today will be welcomed by exporting businesses. The ability to strike our own free deals is a Brexit benefit and I hope this moves us conclusively into an era where this Government is committed to preserve that freedom.

"Conservatives have been consistent in their support for trade agreements and the reduction of tariffs and today is the continuation of a process which started under the first Trump presidency.

"But British businesses need to hear more details about the deal which has been agreed and for the Government taking actions to support business such as shelving the devastating Employment Rights Bill and reducing the UK's uncompetitively high energy costs."

Griffith has since endorsed Badenoch's message on social media.

Keir Starmer invokes Winston Churchill as PM hails 'fantastic, historic' trade deal with Donald Trump

Keir Starmer has invoked the spirit of Winston Churchill and VE Day as he welcomed a "fantastic and historic" trade deal with Donald Trump's America.

In an unusual announcement which saw both the Prime Minister and President appear on television on both ends of a phone call, Starmer said that the signing of the deal took place at the same time as Churchill declared victory in Europe 80 years ago today.

"This is going to boost trade between and across our countries. It’s going to not only protect jobs, but create jobs, opening market access, and as you say, Donald, the timing couldn’t be more apt," he said.

"Not only was it 80 years ago today that victory came for Europe at the end of the Second World War, but of course, on that, the UK and the US stood together as the closest of allies."

On the other end of the line, Trump hailed Britain as "truly one of our great allies" and said it will be brought into a so-called “economic security alignment” with the US.

Keir Starmer confirms 25% tax on British steel cut to ZERO in Donald Trump trade deal

Downing Street has confirmed that 25 per cent tariffs on the steel industry, imposed by President Donald Trump, have been reduced to zero.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump held a joint virtual press conference today, touting the trade deal as a "historic day" for both countries.

During the President's infamous "Liberation Day", a 10 per cent levy on all UK exports and a 25 per cent charge on steel, aluminium and cars were both announced.

But now, things have changed entirely...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Donald Trump slashes auto tariffs to 10% for UK in major victory for car manufacturers

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be cutting the 27.5 per cent tariff on vehicle imports from the UK to just 10 per cent in a major trade announcement.

Speaking in the White House this afternoon, President Trump outlined that the US would be reducing auto tariffs on the United Kingdom down to just 10 per cent.

And US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick confirmed that the UK could send 100,000 cars to the US at a tariff rate of just 10 per cent.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Lord Mandelson: 'It's not the end, but the end of the beginning'

Lord Mandelson, the British ambassador to the US, has said that today "is not the end, but the end of the beginning" for talks on a landmark UK-US deal.

The Labour grandee said: "It's not the end... It's the end of the beginning. There is yet more we can do in reducing tariffs and trade barriers to open up our markets to each other even more than we are agreeing to do today.

"But it also provides us with the platform, the springboard, to do what I think will be even more valuable for both our countries in the future."

After his remarks, Donald Trump blurted out: "Thank you very much... beautifully stated. What a beautiful accent - I'd like to have that accent."

Mandelson replied: "Thank you... My mother would be proud."

Donald Trump congratulates 'Mr Prime Minister' on landmark trade deal

Donald Trump has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer - whom he labelled "Mr Prime Minister" - on reaching a trade deal with the US.

Trump said: "The US and UK have been working for years to try and make a deal and it never quite got there... It did with this Prime Minister, so I want to just congratulate you."

Starmer replied: "With this President and this Prime Minister we've managed to achieve what many people tried to achieve for many years, and I’m really pleased.

"It's really good to have got this deal over the line, tribute to both teams, tribute to our countries and tribute to your leadership."

Labour MPs told to prepare for 'fight of their lives' against Nigel Farage - but party's left plots REBELLION

Arch-Starmerite Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden has warned Labour backbenchers to brace for the "fight of our lives" against Reform UK.

McFadden was speaking to around 100 of the party's MPs in a Commons committee room for an hour after last week's dismal local election results.

Officially billed by the party's top brass as a briefing on their "plan for change", the meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party quickly descended into a showdown where sources said McFadden was acting as a "human shield" for Starmer.

McFadden opened the speech saying: "The big point I want to make to you is that a new fight is taking shape.

"It's a fight between our values and a nationalist politics of the right. It's a battle for the very future and the heart and soul of our country."

"Labour is always at its best when we look to the future. This is the fight of our lives, this is the generational fight in this new political era. I want to tell you we have to take on this new fight for the future - and we have to win."

Many of the party's most high-profile rebels on winter fuel payments, benefit cuts and other issues were absent, with the exception of former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott.

The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and Mother of the House attended but left before the end, declining to talk to journalists, reports Sky News.

Boris Johnson thanks Brexit for UK-US trade deal as Donald Trump confirms major win for Britain

Britain’s new "full and comprehensive" trade deal with the UK would not have been possible without Brexit, according to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Leaving the European Union gave Britain control over its own tariffs and its ability to negotiate trade deals with other nations, hence Johnson's insistence that the move has bolstered Britain.

Speaking to GB News, the former Prime Minister was coy on whether he deserves praise for the deal which many see as a major win for Britain.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Stephen Flynn dismisses speculation over possible SNP leadership run

The SNP's leader in Westminster Stephen Flynn has waved away speculation about his own leadership ambitions, describing First Minister John Swinney as the "best politician in Scotland."

The MP for Aberdeen South is to stand for Holyrood in the 2026 election and there have been suggestions he may be eyeing a possible future as party leader.

Swinney however has made clear that if he wins next year’s election, he intends to serve the full five-year term as First Minister.

Flynn told BBC Scotland: "When Nicola Sturgeon stood down as first minister, the first person that I called to take over the party hoping that they would was John Swinney. Of course he didn’t want to do so at the time.

"When the same happened with Humza Yousaf shortly thereafter again, the first person called to ask to take over as first minister and leader of our party was John Swinney.

"I did that because John Swinney is the best politician in Scotland, and he is the best-placed person to lead our party and our country."

WATCH: Defence Secretary shares plan to help young people remember VE Day after shocking poll

Defence Secretary John Healey has warned that "freedom is not free" in response to a concerning poll showing a significant decline in awareness of VE Day among younger generations.

The statement comes as new research commissioned by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, reveals that six in ten members of Generation Z have never heard of VE Day.

The poll, conducted by Censuswide, also found that 51 per cent of people across the UK don't know what VE Day represents.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Trump promises 'very big and exciting day' for the UK and US

President Donald Trump has suggested that today is going to be a "very big and exciting day" for both the United States and the UK.

It comes as the White House set to confirm a trade deal with the UK later today, the second deal with the country following the deal with India.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social page: "This should be a very big and exciting day for the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Press Conference at The Oval Office, 10am. Thank you!"

Britain's trade deal with India to cost UK £200m a year, new analysis shows

An internal Treasury analysis from the previous Government found that a trade deal between the UK and India would cost £200million in lost taxes.

Earlier this week, Downing Street announced it had come to terms on a trade deal with India, which will mean dramatic tariff reductions on scotch whisky and car exports to India.

However, sources told The Times that an impact assessment of the deal found that excluding Indian workers sent to Britain from National Insurance contributions for three years would see tax revenues fall by up to £200million a year.

Scottish Conservatives press Minister on post-Brexit fishing rights

Ministers have been pressed as to whether Sir Keir Starmer will "negotiate away any control of our waters" as part of negotiations with the EU.

Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan Harriet Cross told the Commons: "A recent poll by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation showed that 87 per cent of Scots believe that the UK should control access to our fishing waters.

"Two-thirds of seafood that’s landed in the UK comes into Scotland and this is a vital part to our economy and many of our coastal communities.

"So, can the minister assure the House and rural and fishing communities across the country that the Prime Minister will not negotiate away any control of our waters during his EU reset later this month?"

Environment minister Daniel Zeichner replied: "I absolutely recognise the importance of the Scottish fishing fleet and the contribution they make.

"I am afraid she will have to wait a bit longer to hear the full details, the outcomes of any negotiations, but I do have to remind her that the sense of betrayal across fishing communities came under her Government’s watch."

Carla Denyer announces she will NOT stand again for Green Party leadership

Carla Denyer has confirmed she will not stand again as the Green Party co-leader, saying it had "been an enormous privilege."

The Bristol Central MP said she was focusing her efforts into her parliamentary role as one of the four MPs the party has in the Commons.

She told The Guardian: "It’s been an enormous privilege to lead the Green Party alongside my excellent co-leader Adrian, wonderfully supported by our deputy leaders – first Amelia [Womack] and then Zack [Polanski].

"We’ve achieved so much, taking the party from one MP to four, from 450 councillors to over 850, and winning nearly 2m votes at the last general election. But this is just the start for me and the party.

"For me, my guiding light has always been: ‘How can I make the biggest positive impact?’ And I’ve decided that for the next few years, the best way I can serve the party and the country is to pour all of my skills, passion and energy into being the best MP I can be, in parliament and in Bristol Central."

Her co-leader and Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay must now decide whether to stand as a solo candidate or with someone else at the next leadership election.

Nominations open on June 2 and Green Party members will vote throughout August.

Polanski, the party's deputy leader, announced on Monday that he would stand, saying the party, which saw gains at the local elections, transform itself into a radical, mass-membership "eco-populism" movement to counter Nigel Farage and Reform UK.

BREAKING: Keir Starmer unveils major boost to armed forces as he vows to 'restore pride in Britain'

Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his speech at VE Day 80, unveiling a huge boost to the armed forces.

The PM said: "[It is] an investment in peace, but also an investment in British pride and the British people to build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to the generation who fought for our values, our freedom and our security."

Speaking at the London Defence Conference, he said: "I didn’t think in my life time there would be Russia tanks entering a European country. We stand with Ukraine."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

WATCH: Tory MP hit with BRUTAL GB News grilling over Deportation Bill - 'You are falling short!'

Conservative MP Matt Vickers has faced intense questioning on GB News over the Conservative Party's proposed Deportation Bill, with presenters challenging him on why his party won't leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The grilling came as the Conservatives unveiled plans for a new bill that would disapply the Human Rights Act in immigration cases.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Labour told it faces 'existential threat' from Reform as party told to focus on 'glorious future'

Labour MPs have issued a warning to Sir Keir Starmer, saying the party faces an "existential threat" following anger at the party over cuts to winter fuel and disability benefits.]

It comes as top Cabinet minister Pat McFadden told the party to reject Reform UK's call for a return to Britain's past, saying the party was focused on the country’s "glorious future."

The Labour Red Wall group of MPs said: "Our voters told us loudly and clearly that we have not met their expectations. The response that the Government will go further and faster on the Plan for Change has fallen on deaf ears."

Bassetlaw MP Jo White told the BBC: "The anger in the room was palpable because we could all sense the vote for Labour we had in 2024 had just melted away.

"We always said people voted for Labour for change. They are not loyal to Labour any more as they used to be in the past and we have to hold that vote in. I see it as an existential threat."

Reeves issued warning over slow growth and persistent inflation

A thinktank has warned Rachel Reeves that any budget plans will be ruined by ongoing inflation and slow growth.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) said the problems Britain faced this year were largely of their own making as opposed to being a result of slowing global trade.

It predicted the UK economy will grow by 1.2 per cent in 2025, down from a previous forecast of 1.5 per cent following "low business confidence, high uncertainty and rising cost pressures."

The report said: "While global headwinds such as the recently imposed US tariffs are disrupting international trade, the biggest factors dragging down UK economic growth are domestic."

Lib Dems accuse Labour of 'undercutting' British workers over UK-India deal

Labour has been accused of "undercutting" British workers over a deal between the UK and India by the Liberal Democrats.

Party deputy leader Daisy Cooper MP said: "This deal risks undercutting British workers at a time when they’re already being hammered by Trump’s trade war and Labour's misguided jobs tax.

"The Government’s failure to even publish an impact assessment of these changes gives the impression of something that is completely half-baked.

"It shows exactly why Parliament needs the opportunity to debate and vote on trade deals. We Liberal Democrats are clear, we cannot vote for any trade deal that undercuts British workers in this way.

"With trade talks with the US continuing, it doesn’t give us much hope for any Trump trade deal this Government negotiates."

WATCH: Healey addresses rumours of a US-UK trade deal being announced later today

John Healey refused to confirm rumours of a potential trade deal being announced between Washington and Westminster later today.

Defence Secretary spoke to The People's Channel this morning ahead of today's VE Day celebrations.

UK to strike trade deal with US in just hours as 'heads of terms' to be announced

Donald Trump is expected to announce a trade deal with the UK on Thursday, according to reports.

The US President teased the announcement of a "major trade deal" with a "big, highly respected country" in a post on his Truth Social platform overnight, and a press conference is expected at about 3pm UK time.

US media, including the New York Times, have reported the deal is with the UK, citing people familiar with the plans.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE