Britain needn’t be cowed by wrecking-ball Trump, it should seize opportunities in Europe, Canada and beyond | Will Hutton
GuardianAPR 7
UK: Government Eases EV Rules as Trump Tariffs Hit Markets
Above: U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gestures as he delivers a speech to workers during a visit to a Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) car factory in Birmingham, central England on April 7, 2025. Image copyright: KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/Contributor/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Delaying the EV transition endangers the future of the U.K.'s auto industry. The world is going electric — if the U.K. falls behind now, it may never catch up. Rather than chasing unstable U.S. trade whims, the U.K. should forge deeper ties with Europe and Canada, anchoring itself in a fair, forward-looking economic alliance built on climate leadership, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Right narrative
The EV deadline shouldn’t just be delayed — it should be scrapped. Forcing a rushed transition risks gutting the U.K. auto industry, which is already under global pressure. Instead of trade war retaliation, closer U.S. ties could offer opportunity. But the U.K. must do more to shield its industries with smart, long-term support— not virtue-signaling deadlines.