The SNP has said the UK must align with the EU on the Single Market and Customs Union as well as security as Trump tariffs take hold.
It comes as the US implements a 25% levy on imports of steel and aluminium as steelmakers raise concerns about cheap steel being redirected to the UK because of the US tariffs.
Unlike the UK, the EU said it will impose counter tariffs on €26bn of US goods.
The Director General of UK Steel, Gareth Stace, said the move was “hugely disappointing” with some steel company contracts having already been cancelled or been put on hold.
In his previous term in office, Donald Trump slapped colossal tariffs on Scotch Whisky sparking fears of further harm to Scotland’s industries.
The levies come despite The Telegraph reporting that Sir Keir Starmer had pleaded with Trump to exempt the UK from the 25% hit.
Now the SNP’s Economy spokesperson, Dave Doogan MP has said Starmer’s approach has failed and the EU is where protection lies.
Commenting, Mr Doogan said:
“Despite Sir Keir Starmer’s begging and pleading, Donald Trump has hammered the UK with tariffs.
“As we’ve seen with both Ukraine and now with colossal tariffs on our industries, the US is not a reliable ally and it’s now clear that economic protection and security comes from the EU.
“The Labour UK Government seem to have no plan on how to deal with Trump tariffs which will be a complete disaster for our economy and sparks real concerns about what industry the United States will slap levies on next, particularly given the hit Scotch Whisky took the last time he was in the White House.
“Clearly, to enhance both our security and our economy we will require much closer ties with Europe – that means rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union with closer alignment on defence spending.
“Donald Trump has pulled the rug on the UK and while of course a pragmatic approach is required, it’s clear that part of the approach means looking to our reliable allies in Europe for growth and security.”
