Local MP demands ministers meet local businesses as Trump tariff chaos risks threatening local jobs

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has today called on Ministers to meet with local businesses to urgently provide clarity on what the US court ruling pausing Trump’s tariffs means for Harrogate and Knaresborough and if it could unravel recent trade commitments, putting local jobs at risk.

The call follows a decision by the US Court of International Trade to block key Trump tariffs, throwing into question the basis of Labour’s recent deal with Donald Trump and creating fresh uncertainty for UK businesses. 

Businesses currently exporting goods to the US, are subject to a crippling 10% tariff, which threatens jobs locally tied to export-driven sectors. Industry groups have already raised concerns that the ongoing confusion could see new costs or restrictions imposed on local firms.

Businesses in Harrogate and Knaresborough have already been through enough recently, having to deal with the increase in employers national insurance contributions, never mind all the chaos Trump’s tariffs have brought.

Tom is calling on the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to urgently meet with local business leaders, so he can hear firsthand what impact the chaos of Trump’s trade war is having across the local area.  

The party nationally is calling for the Government to summon the US ambassador to provide a full explanation about what is going on and the potential impacts for trade with the UK.

Commenting, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said:

“Labour’s trade deal with Donald Trump risks being thrown into disarray with this news. Businesses across our area simply cannot take any more of this uncertainty. 

“The Business Secretary must come to Harrogate and Knaresborough and meet local businesses and explain what this all means for them.

“The Government should also be summoning the US ambassador to seek transparency on the recent court decision and do everything possible to protect the jobs in Harrogate and Knaresborough that depend on stable trade.

“The Liberal Democrats have long called for a clear plan to protect our economy from Trump’s trade chaos. Action from the Government is urgently needed now to safeguard British jobs.”

ENDS

Reporting on the US court ruling can be found here.