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Starmer meets FM and DFM to discuss US tariffs

Enda McClafferty
BBC News NI Political editor
Getty Images Sir Keir Starmer in a dark suit and purple tie. He has grey hair and round glasses. Behind him is a marble fireplace and two British flags.Getty Images
Sir Keir Starmer spoke to leaders from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales on Friday

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has held talks with the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland about the impact of Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly took part in a group phone call with political leaders from Scotland and Wales this morning.

The discussions focused on the economic instability triggered by the 10% tariffs on UK exports to the United States in addition to the 25% tariffs on cars and steel and aluminium products.

They also talked about the potential impact of the growing trade war between the US and China with fears of a global recession.

Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly raised concerns about how potential EU retaliatory tariffs could impact on Northern Ireland, given its links to Brussels through the Windsor Framework.

Under the agreement between the UK and EU, Northern Ireland remains in the EU single market for goods and would be required to apply any new tariffs on US imports.

The deputy first minister said there could be far reaching implications for businesses in Northern Ireland.

She urged the prime minister to consider extra protections for those firms which could be affected.

Speaking after the call First Minister O'Neill said: "We have particular circumstances in the north, and these need to be factored in to consideration."

She also called for improvements to the reimbursement scheme aimed at helping those businesses impacted by any potential EU tariffs on US imports.

"It is clear from engagement with local businesses here that there is a need for the Duty Reimbursement Scheme to be simplified."

It is understood the talks also focused on the wider economic deal which the UK hopes to strike with the US and the prime minister's plans to improve the country's domestic competitiveness, leaving it less exposed to global shocks.

The deputy first minister said she also used the talks to raise concerns about the effect of the rise in national insurance contributions for local employers and she asked the prime minister to set up a support package for businesses impacted.

A No10 spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister led calls with the first minister's and deputy first minister, and regional Mayors today, to update them on the UK's Government's calm, pragmatic and cool-headed approach to recent global events."

"These discussions focused on how across the UK, whether in Belfast, Birkenhead, Blythe or Bute – partnership at all levels will be required to deliver for working people – in the national interest."