Donald Trump’s protectionism attacked by Chancellor Philip Hammond who says tariffs would damage jobs and prosperity
DONALD Trump’s protectionist policies were attacked by Philip Hammond as he warns that tariff-based trade would damage jobs and prosperity
The Chancellor put the boot in to the President-elect after it was revealed he snubbed Theresa May to call nine other world leaders and not contact her.
Speaking the BBC ahead of a crunch meeting with the Chinese vice-premier and other top officials in London, Mr Hammond said he expects a "very constructive dialogue" with the new US administration.
But on trade policy, he signalled he did not support Mr Trump’s protectionist policies.
The Chancellor was asked if he agreed with the real estate mogul’s planned 45% increase on tariffs to Chinese imports.
He replied: “Britain has always believed that the best way long-term to protect jobs and promote prosperity is free markets and free trade.
And he suggested he didn’t agree with Mr Trump’s belief that free trade deals, such as the controversial TTIP agreement, needed to be fundamentally rethought.
He said: “We believe that free trade and open markets are good for prosperity, good for the protection of jobs in this economy.
“But we do also recognise the concerns that there are around dumping and unfair practices, and it’s about getting the right balance in the global trading system so that we can have the benefits of open markets, while being properly and appropriately protected from unfair practices.”
Mr Hammond’ comments came as he prepared to meet with Ma Kai as he hosts the 8th UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue.
His boss Therese May last night called for a new “golden era of relations” between the two countries as she pushes for a post-Brexit trade deal with China.
Downing Street will try to underline that Britain is “open for business”, and is a fresh attempt to reassure the Chinese after a rocky start to relations under Mrs May.
One of her first acts on becoming Prime Minister last July was to order a review of the project to build the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant – part-financed by the Chinese – to the intense annoyance of Beijing.
But having finally given the green light to the plant last September, Mrs May has again echoed the deal’s architect, former chancellor George Osborne, in speaking of a “golden era” in Sino-UK relations.
Last night Mrs May said: “As we take the next step in this golden era of relations between the UK and China, I am excited about the opportunities for expanding trade and investment between our two countries.”