The UK government has ruled out any changes to its laws in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States. Concerns had emerged over whether the UK would consider modifying its Online Safety Act—a law that enforces strict regulations on tech companies—to secure trade concessions from Washington.
Speaking on Monday, Home Office Minister Angela Eagle stated that Britain would “wait and see” for further details on Trump’s tariff plan but insisted there was no evidence that the UK government would weaken its online safety rules as a bargaining tool.
The UK currently enjoys balanced trade relations with the US, valued at approximately £300 billion, and has so far avoided the tariffs imposed on other major exporters.
Trump announces broad import tariffs, raising concerns in the UK
President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that all steel and aluminium imports into the US would be subject to a 25% tariff, regardless of origin. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump added that reciprocal tariffs would be introduced in cases where foreign governments impose high duties on American products.
“If they are charging us 130% and we’re charging them nothing, it’s not going to stay that way,” Trump told reporters, according to The Independent.
The UK government has so far not been targeted by these tariffs, unlike Mexico, Canada, and China, which have already faced 10% import duties on various goods. However, with Trump’s assertion that Britain is “out of line” in its trade relationship with the US, officials in London are seeking clarity on whether new restrictions may be introduced.
UK rejects claims of a legislative compromise on online safety
Amid speculation that the UK could offer changes to the Online Safety Act in exchange for a more favourable trade deal, Angela Eagle strongly denied any such plans. The legislation, set to take effect in March, imposes strict content moderation rules on social media platforms, with potential fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global revenue for non-compliance.
Tech industry figures, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, have been vocal in their opposition to the law, arguing it restricts online freedoms. Musk, a senior adviser to Trump, has been particularly critical of UK policies, aligning with Washington’s laissez-faire approach to online content regulation.
However, Eagle dismissed claims that the UK would revise its laws to accommodate US tech interests, stating there was “no corroboration that that is likely to happen”. She also referenced concerns about violent online content following a high-profile murder case in Southport, where the perpetrator had accessed harmful material before committing the crime.
Despite the uncertainty over tariffs, UK officials have signalled that trade policy will not come at the expense of domestic regulations, with further discussions expected as Trump’s administration moves forward with its economic strategy.
