Nigel Farage Slams Tories Over Brexit Failure as Trump Hits UK With Punishing Tariffs

Nigel Farage hasn’t held back after the UK was hit with fresh tariffs from the US, slamming the Conservative Party for what he sees as a major failure to capitalise on Brexit. The Reform UK leader criticised the Tories for dragging their feet on securing a post-Brexit trade deal with America, especially after Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports.

The UK is now facing a 10% tax on goods heading to the US – a blow for exporters, even if it’s slightly softer than the 20% rate being slapped on EU countries. But for Farage, it’s all too little, too late, reported the Express.

“10% tariffs from the USA are bad news, but better than 20% for EU members,” he said. “If the Tory government had delivered quickly on Brexit we would have had a free trade deal years ago. This deal is still achievable.”

Farage’s comments come as Labour scrambles to navigate the situation, with the pressure mounting on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Trump, who declared the tariff announcement as “liberation day”, has left the UK government racing to avoid further economic fallout.

Starmer admitted that the tariffs would have an economic impact, but said he was still focused on securing a proper trade deal with the US instead of launching into retaliation straight away – though he added, “nothing is off the table.”

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch weighed in, criticising Trump’s move and urging Labour to step up and get serious about trade. “These tariffs will not make the US wealthier but they will make all of us poorer,” she warned, calling for a “deep and meaningful trade deal” to be negotiated without delay.

Badenoch didn’t miss the chance to point out that Brexit has given the UK an independent trade policy – something she says Labour isn’t making proper use of. “We are here and ready to help in the national interest,” she said. “It’s time for the Labour Government to get a deep and meaningful trade deal with the US that removes these tariffs and delivers growth without compromising on standards.”

As the dust settles, both Reform UK and the Conservatives are pointing fingers, blaming each other for the mess while urging Labour to act fast. But with British exporters now facing fresh hurdles to access the US market, the political pressure is only going to build.

Whether the government can strike a deal quickly enough to cushion the blow remains to be seen – but for now, Farage’s warning is ringing loud and clear: Brexit was supposed to be about opportunity, and right now, the clock’s ticking.