Tessa Munt, MP for Wells and rural areas around Burnham-On-Sea, has urged people to support local businesses and farmers amid fears that Donald Trump’s latest trade tariff plans could hurt Somerset’s economy.
Tessa Munt, pictured, says: “It’s time to stand up for our farmers, local businesspeople and traders on our high streets, as they face yet more uncertainty from the potential of even worse trade deals and Trump’s tariff announcement.”
“That’s why I’d urge people in this part of the West Country to spend their money locally, and support our local economy. Standing together, we can have a far greater impact and use whatever purchasing power we have vote to support our local businesses.”
The ‘buy Somerset, back Britain’ campaign — backed by Liberal Democrat MPs across Somerset — comes as fears grow about the impact of a US-UK trade deal that could cut tariffs on American beef, chicken and pork.
The campaign was criticised by the Chancellor, who called it “inward looking” — but the MPs say they will always stand up for local businesses.
The MPs are also calling on the Labour Government to scrap the jobs tax, reform business rates and provide targeted support to help local firms hit by Trump’s trade policies.
US President Donald Trump has sparked global concern with plans for sweeping new trade tariffs — including a 10% charge on all goods entering America, and higher rates on cars, steel and agriculture. The EU faced a 20% tariff, while China was hit with a 34% charge — prompting Beijing to retaliate with tariffs of up to 84% on US goods. Trump has since paused the tariffs for 90 days but raised China’s tariffs to 145%.
UK farmers are particularly worried about reports that a future UK-US trade deal could cut tariffs on American beef, chicken and pork — raising fears of cheap imports undercutting British producers already struggling with rising costs.
