Andrew George MP says ‘Buy Cornish, Back Britain’ to combat Trump trade war   

West Cornwall MP Andrew George has launched a ‘Buy Cornish, Back Britain’ campaign with his North Cornwall parliamentary colleague Ben Maguire MP to support local businesses potentially affected by Donald Trump’s damaging new trade tariffs.   

Andrew said, “Britain has always resolutely stood up to bullies. We must work to establish an international ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to face this down. The alternative is, Donald Trump dictates every aspect of the way we live our lives, how we manage our public services and whether the UK economy sinks or swims.   

“Trump is again operating in a fictional world with nursery-level comprehension, whilst inaccurately presenting himself as being reasonable and fair. He claims he’s merely applied “reciprocal” tariffs. But has in fact confused trade TARIFF with the US trade DEFICIT. He’s simply taken the amount of trade DEFICIT with each country, redefined it as a tariff and then multiplied it by a factor of 0.5, and with a baseline trade tariff increase of 10% for those countries (like the UK) where it doesn’t have a trade deficit.  

“I don’t doubt the ignorant and arrogant behaviour of President Trump will backfire on him and the US, as customers and businesses vote with their feet and their wallets not to buy or stock US-made merchandise and services. 

The US President’s latest trade war (10% tariffs on UK exports and 25% on automotive goods) could threaten jobs and livelihoods in Cornwall if we don’t take action. Meanwhile, reports suggest the UK Government is preparing to slash tariffs on US meat imports—further undercutting local farmers after the Conservatives’ botched Australia and New Zealand trade deals. The UK government has also failed to act to raise an appropriate tax on tech giants.  

Andrew & Ben are urging local people to “rally round” Cornish businesses and high streets, calling on the Government to scrap its punishing jobs tax and overhaul the unfair business rating system.  

“Our local independent retailers and producers deserve our support. That’s why we’re launching ‘Buy Cornish, Back Britain’—to encourage people to back our brilliant local businesses at this crucial time.”