Starmer 'misleading' UK as steel jobs under threat from Donald Trump tariffs despite deal

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of "misleading" voters as it emerged his still has not come into effect - raising fears that UK businesses could be hit by massive tariffs. has announced he will double tariffs on steel to 50% starting on Wednesday for . It remains unclear how the UK will be affected.

The Prime Minister hailed a "landmark" trade deal with the US on May 8, saying: "That is a deal that will protect British businesses and save thousands of jobs in Britain - really important, skilled, well-paid jobs." He said at the time: "It will remove tariffs on British steel and aluminium, reducing them to zero."

And the official Downing Street website says in a statement published on May 8: "US tariffs on automotives immediately slashed from 27.5%, with steel and aluminium reduced to zero".

But it is now clear that there is no agreed date for tariffs on British steel products to be eliminated. The Prime Minister's spokesman told journalists on Tuesday: "We continue to discuss with them implementation timelines."

He stressed: "Once implemented, the steel industry will not pay any tariffs." The spokesman said: "We expect this to be the case regardless of any increase on other nations that have yet to strike a deal."

Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been meeting US officials to try to ensure UK-made products are exempt from 's tariffs. However, there are reports a full agreement could take weeks and it is uncertain what the status of British products will be in the meantime.

To add to the uncertainty, a US court last week ruled many of Mr Trump's unlawful, before an appeals court reinstated the levies pending a further hearing.

Andrew Griffith, Conservative Shadow Business Secretary, said: "Labour told the British public we had a deal with the US - but one month on, there is no deal in sight, meaning British businesses and workers continue to suffer because of Labour's failed negotiations.

"After snatching the winter fuel payment, lying about not increasing taxes, and misleading the public by saying the US trade deal was done, the public will rightly not trust a word Labour says.

"As all the other political parties wrangle over how to spend more taxpayers money, only the Conservatives are committed to being responsible with the public finances."

Mr Reynolds is taking part in a three-day trip to Paris and Brussels, during which he is expected to meet other trade ministers and attend a G7 ministerial meeting.

During the trip, the Trade Secretary will argue that the UK is a dependable partner in an era of increasing global volatility.

He said: "Our deals with the US, EU and India are proof that the UK is the most connected country in the world to do business. Along with our modern industrial strategy, our plan for change is making the UK a safe, stable bet in uncertain times.

"We recognise our relationship with G7 allies and EU counterparts must continue to evolve and deliver a better trading environment for our businesses and exporters.

"That's why we want to wipe away costly, business-blocking barriers and open up opportunities to grow our economy, create jobs and put more money in people's pockets."