By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - The UK will adopt a "pragmatic" stance in response to global tariffs imposed by the US, the Treasury minister said on Wednesday.
Speaking on Sky News, James Murray emphasized that while the UK reserves the right to retaliate, it will avoid a knee-jerk response in favor of a measured approach, especially as the country continues its ongoing negotiations for an economic agreement with the US.
Murray’s comments came in light of rising global tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, which have affected several countries, including the UK.
The minister acknowledged that the UK finds itself in a "very different position" compared to the EU, highlighting the unique circumstances of the UK's post-Brexit negotiations with the US.
The European Commission said on Wednesday it would impose “countermeasures” starting from April 1 in response to US tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imports.
"The UK and the US have been negotiating rapidly for an economic agreement," Murray said, pointing to the importance of staying focused on securing the deal. "These global tariffs, if you like, have landed in the middle of that work. So we don’t want to be pushed off course by this."
Murray also reaffirmed the government's intent to prioritize British businesses and public interests throughout the negotiations.
"We think the right response is to continue pragmatically, cool-headedly, without a knee-jerk response, but toward our economic agreement that we’re negotiating with the US," he said.
The Treasury minister's remarks echoed those of Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s trade and business secretary, who had previously stressed a similar approach to global tariffs.
Despite reserving the right to retaliate, the government is focused on productive and cooperative engagement with the US, aiming to secure an agreement that benefits both nations.