New UK/US trade deal is a relief for Starmer but doubts, and tariffs, remain

The deal definitely puts the UK in a better position, but its impact on the wider economy might be limited

• Trump and Starmer confirm ‘breakthrough’ US-UK trade deal
• Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce share prices soar as manufacturers welcome US tariff cuts

Thursday’s trade agreement between the US and the UK fell far short of the superlatives heaped on it in Donald Trump’s excruciating televised phone call with Keir Starmer. But it is worth having, nevertheless.

As Starmer made clear by appearing in front of an audience of Jaguar Land Rover workers in Solihull, reducing the 27.5% tariff on 100,000 car exports will come as a mighty relief for that industry.