'Renegade' UK could be spared from Donald Trump's tariffs, US governor says

In the aftermath of the Republican candidate's decisive election win over Kamala Harris this week, attention is turning to what the former president will do on his return to the White House.

But there are fears in foreign capitals about what this could do to their economies. Goldman Sachs has downgraded its forecast for the UK's economic growth next year from 1.6% to 1.4%, while EU officials are anticipating a reduction in exports to the US of €150bn (£125bn).

However, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy - a Democrat - says he believes Mr Trump may consider not including the UK in the tariff plans.

Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the governor said he cannot speak for the president-elect but he has a "good relationship" with him.

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His gut feeling is that Mr Trump will not impose tariffs on goods from allies like the UK. "But if I'm China, I'm fastening my seatbelt right now," he said.

Mr Murphy said that Mr Trump may look favourably at the UK after its departure from the European Union.

Asked about the risk of trade sanctions, UK Treasury minister Darren Jones told Sky News the government's position is to "support free trade".

He described the UK-US relationship as "very strong" and "very fruitful" for both economies.

"And of course, we want to protect that and strengthen it in the years ahead," Mr Jones said.

"And I think president-elect Trump has said that he recognises the important relationship the US has with the UK. And that's the basis on which we will be cooperating in future years."

According to The Telegraph, Mr Trump is considering offering the UK a special deal that would exempt British exports from billions of pounds of tariffs.

"Donald Trump (has) some sympathy with the renegade who has courage," Mr Murphy said. "I think there's some of that. I think that's a card that can be played. We'll see."

Asked about whether UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer can build a rapport with the incoming president, Mr Murphy said: "I've been able to find common ground with President Trump, and I'm a proud progressive, although I'm a cold-blooded capitalist, which is probably the part of me that President Trump resonates with."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she is "confident" trade flows with the United States will continue despite the tariff proposal.

-SKY NEWS