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Regional secretary with the National Education Union
Extra steel industry funding on the agenda after US import tariffs, minister says
Workers outside Tata Steel's Port Talbot steelworks in south Wales, as around 3,000 jobs are at risk at the plant as part of a planned restructuring, September 15, 2023

MINISTERS will discuss increasing funding for British steel after the US imposed a 25 per cent import tariff, trade minister Douglas Alexander said today.

Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, he added that there was a “window of opportunity” for Britain to have a “cool and clear-headed” response before the tariffs are due to come into force on March 12.

He denied that President Trump’s announcement had come as a surprise, insisting that Britain “stands ready” to find solutions that work for both countries.

No details have yet been confirmed for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s trip to Washington, expected in coming weeks.

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