Clive Jones, the MP for Wokingham, has called on government ministers to urgently meet local businesses to provide clarity on what the US court ruling pausing Trump’s tariffs means for Berkshire.
He has expressed his concerns it could unravel recent trade commitments,
putting local jobs at risk.
His call follows a decision by the US Court of International Trade to block key Trump tariffs, throwing into question the basis of Labour’s recent deal with Donald Trump and creating fresh uncertainty for UK businesses.
Businesses currently exporting goods to the US, are subject to what he said is a “crippling” 10% tariff, which threatens jobs locally tied to export-driven sectors.
Industry groups have already raised concerns that the ongoing confusion could see new costs or restrictions imposed on local firms.
Jones said businesses across Wokingham have been affected by the financial uncertainty created by Trump’s trade war, meaning tariffs on certain items, and products manufactured locally, changed overnight.
Shinfield Studios in Wokingham Borough is also at risk of serious financial loss due to Trump’s proposed foreign film tax, affecting local jobs and the local economy.
Jones is calling on the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, to urgently meet with local business leaders, so he can hear first-hand what impact the chaos of Trump’s trade war is having across the local area.
His party is calling for the Government to summon the US ambassador to provide
a full explanation about what is going on and the potential impacts for trade with the UK.
Jones said: “Labour’s trade deal with Donald Trump risks being thrown into disarray with this news.
“Businesses across Wokingham simply cannot take any more of this uncertainty.
“The business secretary must come to Wokingham, meet local businesses and explain what this all means for them.
“The government should also be summoning the US ambassador to seek transparency on the recent court decision, and do everything possible to protect the jobs in Wokingham that depend on stable trade.
“I, and my Liberal Democrat colleagues, have long called for a clear plan to protect our economy from Trump’s trade chaos.
“Action from the government is urgently needed now to safeguard British jobs.”
