Labour's Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, faced tough questions regarding a new trade agreement between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a BBC Breakfast interview on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The deal, which aims to cut import taxes on specific British cars and metals, has sparked debate about whether Britain will be "worse off" as a result.
During the interview, host Naga Munchetty pressed Jones on the implications of the agreement, which has been touted as a job saver and a "huge relief" for the British economy. However, not everyone is convinced. Shadow Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith described the outcome as "disappointing," reflecting a sentiment echoed by many in the business community who are seeking further clarity on the specifics of the deal.
Munchetty highlighted that while the UK has managed to cut tariffs on British steel and aluminium exports to the US from 25% to zero, tariffs on 100,000 British cars sold to America have also been reduced from 27.5%. Yet, she pointed out that the average British tariffs on US goods have fallen from 5.1% to 1.8%, while US levies on UK imports have risen from 3.4% to 10%. "So you’ve made a deal – as part of this special relationship – but we are paying more than they are," Munchetty noted, reflecting a growing concern that the UK may not have secured the best terms.
In response, Jones acknowledged that while the world has changed and the current economic landscape is challenging, the deal has successfully reduced punitive tariffs on key sectors that were previously hindering production. "Would we rather be in a world where we were a year ago where there were less tariffs generally? Yes, of course, we’ve been very clear that we don’t think tariffs are very good for global trade or economies," he stated. However, he emphasized that the deal represents a significant achievement in the current circumstances.
Despite the minister's reassurances, viewer reactions to the interview were mixed. Some viewers found Munchetty's questioning to be overly aggressive, with one stating, "A deal with the US has been done. Confidence returns to the economy. Rather than acknowledging the significant achievement, all Naga Munchetty can do is sneer and ask idiotic questions like 'are we better off than before Trump introduced tariffs?'" Another viewer echoed this sentiment, calling Munchetty's repetitive questioning "totally pointless" and asserting that "no one is better off" under the current tariff regime.
As the discussion continued, Munchetty suggested that the new trade deal is "the best out of a bad lot," a sentiment that resonates with many analysts who feel the agreement falls short of expectations. Jones countered this by asserting that the UK is the first country to achieve such tariff reductions on critical sectors, reiterating that protecting British jobs and businesses is a priority.
On Times Radio the following day, presenter Calum MacDonald also pressed Jones about criticisms of the deal, including claims from the Tories that it is a "Diet Coke trade deal," implying it lacks substance. In response, Jones acknowledged that the details of the agreement are being published and will be presented to parliament soon. He stressed that this is merely the beginning of trade negotiations with the United States, indicating a desire to pursue further agreements in the future.
As the UK navigates its post-Brexit trade landscape, the implications of this deal with the US will likely continue to be a point of contention among politicians and the public alike. The uncertainty surrounding the specifics of the agreement, coupled with concerns about the evolving global economy, raises questions about the long-term benefits for Britain. Jones's assertion that the government is committed to ongoing negotiations suggests that this trade deal may be just the first step in a more complex relationship with the US.
In summary, while the government heralds the recent trade agreement as a positive development, skepticism remains prevalent among opposition figures and the general public. The reduction of tariffs on key British exports is a notable achievement, yet many are left wondering whether it truly represents a better deal for the UK or merely a necessary compromise in challenging times.
