Overview

• Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Downing Street have formally declined to adopt a 'Buy British' campaign, citing concerns about fostering protectionism and trade wars.
• The UK government is reviewing procurement rules to prioritize British manufacturers in public contracts as an alternative to a formal campaign.
• Polling by Savanta reveals that 59% of British adults, including 81% of those over 65, support a 'Buy British' initiative, with half saying they are less likely to buy US goods after Trump's tariffs.
• The Liberal Democrats, led by Daisy Cooper, continue to pressure the government to launch a campaign, arguing it would support businesses impacted by US tariffs.
• The UK is engaged in advanced negotiations with the US to exempt British industries from the tariffs, while President Trump has ruled out pausing the trade measures.