MP launches ‘buy local, back Britain’ campaign in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs

Local Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron has launched a ‘buy local, back Britain’ campaign to support local businesses in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs announced last night.

Tim said that people should “rally round” local businesses at risk from the economic shock caused by Donald Trump’s disastrous trade war, including local producers and high street shops.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling on the government to come forward with a raft of measures to help businesses stay afloat and protect Westmorland’s high streets, including scrapping the jobs tax and overhauling business rates. 

Further distress has been caused to Cumbrian farmers after it was reported 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. The measures announced by the US President last night will see 10% tariffs on UK exports and 25% tariffs on all automotive exports to the US. 

Tim said: “At a time when local businesses are already struggling due to soaring energy bills, increases in taxes, and staff shortages, Donald Trump’s disastrous trade war could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“That is why I am launching a ‘buy local, back Britain,’ campaign, to encourage people to play their part in supporting our fantastic local businesses and high street shops at this difficult time.

“This needs to include 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.

“The Liberal Democrats are also urging the Government to unleash the potential of our local high-streets by reforming business rates, and dropping their National Insurance jobs tax which is set to hammer businesses in the coming days.”