Business

The new UK-US trade deal, announced with fanfare as a major step in transatlantic economic relations, offers little benefit to the UK’s automotive sector, according to the audit and tax experts at Blick Rothenberg.

The deal — officially titled the General Terms for the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Economic Prosperity Deal — will reduce tariffs on British car exports to the US from 27.5% to 10%. However, Robert Salter, Director at Blick Rothenberg, argues the agreement merely limits the damage caused by President Trump’s previous protectionist policies and does not open new market opportunities.

“While a 10% tariff is clearly better than the 27% imposed under President Trump, it’s important to remember that under the previous administration of Joe Biden, UK car imports faced only a 2.5% tariff,” said Salter.

The 10% tariff will apply only to the first 100,000 vehicles imported into the US each year. The UK exported approximately 101,000 vehicles to the US last year, meaning the agreement effectively caps growth.

“This limit means that the UK automotive sector cannot expand exports to the US without being hit with higher tariffs,” Salter explained. “All the deal does is preserve the status quo — it doesn’t help the sector grow.”

He added that, while the agreement might safeguard existing jobs and exports, it does not create any meaningful new commercial advantages or incentives for investment in UK automotive production for the US market.

Salter also questioned the broader economic value of the deal, calling it a limited framework that falls short of delivering macroeconomic gains.

“While the agreement might provide a foundation for more meaningful trade terms in other sectors, this deal by itself will not deliver significant wins for the overall UK economy,” he said.

The comments contrast with more optimistic reactions from some corners of government and industry following the deal’s announcement, which included tariff relief for UK steel and certain other exports.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) previously welcomed the deal for removing “an immediate threat” to exports, but experts like Salter warn that this should not be confused with progress.

“This is a damage-limitation agreement,” Salter concluded. “It prevents further harm — but it’s not a trade win in the way it’s being presented.”

As the UK looks to boost exports and grow its manufacturing base, Salter urged policymakers to pursue more ambitious, sector-specific trade terms — particularly in high-value export industries like automotive, aerospace, and green technology.

With domestic car production under pressure and trade competitiveness increasingly vital, the latest deal may have bought the UK some time — but not the breakthrough the automotive sector needs.

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US trade deal is not a win for UK automotive industry

More than £18 million has been raised for grassroots sport across the UK since 2018, thanks to a trailblazing partnership between Crowdfunder and Sport England — a milestone celebrated last week at a special event in the House of Commons.

The event brought together MPs, funding partners, sports bodies, and community leaders, who gathered to reflect on the success of the matched crowdfunding model and to discuss how it can become a cornerstone of future sports funding in Britain.

Through the collaboration, over 1,000 community-led campaigns have successfully received funding — with Sport England’s +Extra Funding programme matching local fundraising efforts to double the impact. The result has been a wave of investment into sports clubs and grassroots initiatives that might otherwise have struggled to survive.

“This event is a real celebration of two things: the power of sport and the power of community to transform lives,” said Dawn Bebe, Co-CEO of Crowdfunder. “What we’ve built with Sport England is proof that when the two come together, real change is possible.”

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, emphasised the urgency of finding sustainable, innovative models of community funding as traditional sources like the National Lottery become increasingly constrained.

“Lottery tickets are not on the increase,” he said. “That’s why every penny counts. Community-driven, match-funded initiatives like this are vital for the future of sport in this country.”

The message was echoed by Stephanie Peacock MP (pictured), Minister for Sport, who called the Crowdfunder-Sport England partnership “phenomenal” and praised the model for enabling access to sport despite financial and regional inequalities.

“Despite economic pressures, crowdfunding continues to unlock opportunities for better health, stronger communities and increased participation,” she said.

For Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Director of Places at Sport England, the event underlined the need to rethink how sport is funded and accessed across the country.

“Where you live affects your ability to be active. Your bank balance shapes your life opportunities. And that’s not fair,” she said. “We’re changing how we work — going to the places and people that need it most.”

The event was not just a celebration but a call to action, with attendees encouraged to think boldly about the role of brands, policymakers, and corporate partners in backing this emerging model of distributed, community-led giving.

An executive summary from the event is now available, offering key insights ahead of a forthcoming report from Sport England, which will explore how crowdfunding can play a transformative role in the UK’s future sports funding ecosystem.

Crowdfunder and Sport England are inviting new partners and organisations with ideas or initiatives to join the conversation and help reshape how sport is supported from the grassroots up.

For communities across the UK, the message is clear: when local passion meets matched funding, real impact follows — and the future of sport may well lie in the hands of the crowd.

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Over £18M raised: How Crowdfunder and Sport England are shaping the future of community sports funding through matched crowdfunding

The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25% is welcome news for mortgage holders and homebuyers, but less so for savers. The move, the fourth cut since August, comes amid global economic uncertainty, including concerns over Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, and easing inflation.

The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voted narrowly to reduce the base rate, with five in favour, including Governor Andrew Bailey, and four against — two wanting no change, and two favouring a steeper cut to 4%.

Here’s what the rate change means for mortgages, savings, and annuities.

Mortgage borrowers: variable-rate relief and stable fixed deals

The rate cut is good news for the 1.13 million homeowners on variable-rate (SVR) mortgages and the 591,000 on tracker deals. Those with tracker mortgages, which move directly with the base rate, will see an immediate reduction in their monthly repayments, likely by next month.

UK Finance estimates the average tracker mortgage holder will save around £29 a month, while those on SVRs — where lenders have more discretion — could save about £14, based on an average balance of £66,500.

Fixed-rate mortgage holders won’t see immediate savings, but they’ve already benefited from months of falling rates. The cheapest two-year fixed deal for homebuyers is currently 3.79% from Lloyds (for Club Lloyds customers), while Halifax offers 3.87% for remortgages — both significantly lower than December’s cheapest rate of 4.22%.

“Today’s rate cut was widely expected and had already been priced into fixed deals,” said Martin Temple of Leeds Building Society. “Unless the Bank had made a surprise 0.5-point cut or signalled faster rate reductions, we’re unlikely to see a further drop in fixed rates right away.”

The Financial Conduct Authority says around 1.21 million fixed-rate deals will expire in 2025. Borrowers whose deals end within the next four to six months can lock in a rate now and switch later if cheaper options emerge.

Savers: brace for falling returns

While borrowers celebrate, savers will lose out. Lower interest rates reduce the amount banks earn on deposits, leading to less attractive savings rates.

Easy-access accounts — which have stayed relatively stable — are expected to dip. The top rate is currently 4.76% from the Chip app (Bank rate -1% + 1.2% bonus for 12 months). For easy-access ISAs, the top rate is 5.06% from Plum (including a 1.52% bonus).

Fixed-rate savings have already started to fall. The top one-year bond now pays 4.55% (Cynergy Bank), down from 4.65% last month. The top one-year ISA is at 4.26% (OakNorth), down from 4.35%. Over two years, the top bond is at 4.48% (JN Bank), and the top ISA is at 4.19% (Cynergy Bank).

“More top rates will likely fall, so it’s worth locking in now if you don’t need access to your cash,” said Anna Bowes from The Private Office. “And always keep an eye on your variable rate — don’t let it become uncompetitive.”

Retirees: watch annuity rates

Those approaching retirement may want to pay attention to annuity rates, which are tied to long-term interest rates and government bond yields. These products offer guaranteed lifetime income and have been at record highs.

A 60-year-old with a £100,000 pension pot can currently secure an annuity paying £7,134 a year, while a 75-year-old could receive £9,725, according to Hargreaves Lansdown.

“Further rate cuts may cause annuity incomes to drift down,” said Helen Morrissey, of Hargreaves Lansdown. “But for now, they continue to offer strong value for those seeking a guaranteed income in retirement.”

What’s next?

Markets had already priced in this week’s move, with expectations for the base rate to fall to 3.25% by year-end. However, more aggressive cuts could be on the table if inflation continues to drop or the economic outlook deteriorates further.

For now, the message is clear: borrowers win, savers lose — and anyone with a fixed-rate product, whether mortgage or savings, would be wise to keep a close eye on market trends in the months ahead.

Read more:
What the Bank of England’s interest rate cut means for your mortgage – and your savings

Vulnerable beneficiaries are being left without essential support as charities across the UK are forced to scale back services or halt expansion plans due to surging operational costs, according to leading audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.

The warning comes amid growing concern that increased National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the rising National Minimum Wage (NMW) are placing an unsustainable financial burden on third-sector organisations — many of which are already operating on tight budgets.

“The effective rate of NIC that charities must pay has risen to 18% for many,” said Mark Hart, Audit, Accounting & Outsourcing Partner at Blick Rothenberg. “A charity with a £1 million salary bill would now face an additional £32,000 in NIC costs.”

To illustrate the financial strain, Hart noted that while the London Marathon raised £73 million in 2024, it would have needed to raise an extra £2.2 million just to offset increased NIC costs under the new rate and threshold.

Hart said several of his charity clients have already begun cutting back services or freezing plans to grow, directly harming those they support.

“A care home charity I advise has had to shelve investment in new resident facilities because the funds were swallowed by staffing cost increases,” he said.

Another client, a debt counselling and credit charity, has taken a £20,000 hit to its funds due to higher NICs and minimum wage obligations.

“That £20,000 could have helped dozens of people access emergency credit to survive while they work through debt,” Hart added.

Charities paying the London or National Living Wage — higher than the statutory minimum — are particularly affected. Many health and social care charities rely heavily on agency staff, pushing their staffing bills higher still. Local authorities often refuse to fully cover these costs, Hart warned, creating funding gaps that leave charities unable to hire new staff or expand services.

“Many organisations are now only hiring to replace those who leave — they simply can’t afford to grow,” he said.

Hart noted that the employment allowance available to some charities can reduce their NIC burden from 18% to 17%, offering limited relief. Similarly, businesses or organisations working less than 50% with the public sector can access this mitigation.

However, he warned that grouped organisations — such as federated charities or networks — may be disadvantaged, as only one entity per group can claim the allowance.

“It’s a complex system with limited support for those operating on the front line of need,” Hart said. “And in the end, it’s not the charities that suffer most — it’s their beneficiaries.”

Blick Rothenberg is calling for a rethink of the tax and funding environment for charities, particularly those delivering critical services in partnership with the public sector.

With local authority budgets already stretched and demand for support increasing, Hart said now is the time to provide greater financial flexibility to the organisations that “so often plug the gaps.”

“Charities want to do the right thing — pay fair wages, retain staff, and expand their services. But without urgent changes, many will be forced to do less, just when the people they support need them most.”

Read more:
Charity services at risk as rising staff costs hit support for vulnerable

British Airways parent company International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) has committed to a massive $23 billion aircraft order, brushing off concerns about softening transatlantic travel demand amid President Trump’s escalating global trade wars.

In a confident update to investors, the £14 billion FTSE 100 airline group said it remained on track to hit its €4.6 billion profit forecast for 2025, adding that passenger demand remained “robust” despite broader economic uncertainty.

IAG’s announcement comes just weeks after rivals including Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and US airlines issued warnings about weakened bookings across the North Atlantic, citing volatility caused by new tariffs and macroeconomic headwinds.

“Whilst being mindful of geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, our outlook for the full year is unchanged,” the group said in a trading statement. “We are continuing to see good demand for air travel across our core markets.”

IAG confirmed it will acquire 32 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, priced at more than £10 billion at list value, alongside 21 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, valued at $6 billion. The group also secured purchase options for 10 more 787s and 13 additional A330s, bringing the total commitment to more than $23 billion at catalogue prices.

However, such bulk orders usually involve heavily discounted pricing, and with both Boeing and Airbus facing production challenges, analysts expect the final outlay to be significantly lower.

The new aircraft will strengthen IAG’s position on transatlantic routes, expand Level, its Latin America-focused budget carrier, and replace older planes operating on costly short-term leases.

The move will also help streamline IAG’s fleet, which already totals more than 600 aircraft.

Rolls-Royce left out of engine deal

While the order is positive news for both aircraft manufacturers, it is a mixed outcome for UK-based Rolls-Royce. Though it remains the sole engine supplier for the A330-900neo, IAG has opted to fit its new 787s with General Electric engines, snubbing Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000, which has been plagued by reliability issues in recent years.

IAG’s aggressive fleet expansion comes on the back of a better-than-expected first quarter, traditionally the weakest period for airlines in the northern hemisphere. The group reported an operating profit of €198 million, nearly triple the previous year’s result and well ahead of analysts’ consensus forecast of €133 million.

Revenue rose nearly 10% to €7 billion, even as passenger numbers dipped slightly to 26.1 million, reflecting continued fare inflation across the industry.

The company noted that while US leisure demand in economy cabins had softened, this was being offset by strong premium cabin sales and stable demand across Latin America and Europe.

Shares in IAG held steady at 290.6p on Friday morning, having recently recovered some ground following a near-40% slump earlier this year triggered by trade war fears.

Despite political uncertainty and economic jitters on both sides of the Atlantic, IAG’s order signals confidence in the long-term outlook for global travel, particularly on lucrative long-haul routes.

Analysts say the order could help IAG position itself to take advantage of future capacity gaps, as both Boeing and Airbus face lengthening delivery timelines and a backlog of orders from rival carriers.

If demand rebounds sharply in 2026 and beyond, IAG could be one of the best-prepared legacy carriers to capitalise on the recovery — with a younger, more fuel-efficient fleet ready to deploy.

Read more:
British Airways owner IAG splashes out $23bn on new planes despite US trade war fears

John Lewis is expanding its café and restaurant offering in a renewed effort to drive footfall, enhance the in-store experience, and re-establish itself as a destination retailer for middle England.

The department store group has announced plans to open five new cafés and restaurants across its estate this year, reflecting what it called the “growing importance of food and drink” in its department store strategy.

The move comes as one in five in-store transactions now takes place in a hospitality setting, with hospitality sales up 6% in the 12 months to April. The company said the uplift reflects customers’ growing desire for a more experiential visit that goes beyond retail.

“While shopping is at the heart of the experience, customers also want a broader in-store visit,” said Katie Papakonstantinou, director of services and hospitality at John Lewis.
“By continuing to invest and bring in new and exciting dining concepts, we can enhance loyalty and increase customers’ fondness for their local store.”

John Lewis will extend its Mediterranean-themed Ori Caffè concept to its Liverpool and Solihull branches this year, and open a new café in Southampton, bringing the total number of in-store cafés and restaurants to 62.

Ori Caffè currently operates in eight locations and is part of a wider hospitality push that saw a 750,000-visit increase to its Place to Eat restaurants last year. New openings have included a Caffè Nero in White City, a new Ori Caffè in High Wycombe, and the relaunch of the Oxford Street rooftop space as the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen.

Seasonal pop-ups are also part of the strategy. This month, to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show, the atrium of the Peter Jones store in Chelsea will be transformed into a floral-themed wine bar serving a range of English wines.

The most high-profile addition is a new Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Café, which opened this week at the Oxford Street flagship. The 4,600 sq ft space features two classrooms and a 50-seat café on the third floor, further positioning the brand as a lifestyle destination.

The hospitality expansion is part of a broader turnaround plan spearheaded by Jason Tarry, the former Tesco executive who took over as chairman last September. His predecessor, Dame Sharon White, faced criticism over aggressive cost-cutting, which included store closures and bonus reductions, and struggled to adapt to changing consumer habits.

Tarry is seeking to bring the business back to its retail roots, reinstating its famous “never knowingly undersold” pledge — dropped in 2022 — and focusing on quality, value, and customer service. John Lewis is also investing in its physical stores and offering customer service retraining to all staff.

The efforts appear to be bearing fruit. The John Lewis Partnership reported a pre-tax profit of £126 million for the year to January 25, 2025 — up from £42 million the year before — with sales rising 3% to £12.8 billion.

“These are solid results, which show that our customers are responding well to our investments,” said Tarry. “We have made good progress — with much more still to do.”

As high street retailers continue to grapple with shifting shopping habits, John Lewis is betting that good food, engaging experiences, and great service are key to turning browsers into buyers — and bringing customers back through the doors.

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John Lewis to open more cafés and restaurants to boost footfall

British carmakers and manufacturers have welcomed the newly signed UK-US trade deal, which includes a significant reduction in tariffs on automotive and steel exports, offering long-awaited relief to key industrial sectors.

The agreement — the first struck under President Trump’s renewed trade agenda — eliminates proposed American tariffs of 27.5% on British steel and reduces car tariffs to 10%, covering up to 100,000 UK car exports annually. However, a 10% blanket tariff will remain in place on other British goods, raising an estimated $10 billion for the US Treasury.

The trade deal triggered a rally in UK industrial and automotive stocks, with companies heavily exposed to the US market leading the gains. Melrose Industries jumped 5.2%, IMI rose 5.1%, and Rolls-Royce gained 3.7%. Shares in Aston Martin Lagonda, seen as a direct beneficiary, soared nearly 14%, helping to lift the FTSE 250 index by 0.6%.

“This deal removes a severe and immediate threat to UK automotive exporters,” said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “It provides much-needed relief, allowing both the industry and its workforce to approach the future more positively.”

In exchange for tariff relief, the UK has agreed to reduce import duties on American ethanol and allow greater market access for US beef, though it stopped short of conceding on food safety standards or digital tax reforms targeting US tech giants.

The deal is the first agreement concluded since the Trump administration announced a 90-day pause on wide-ranging tariffs affecting more than 100 countries. It’s also expected to pave the way for additional negotiations with other key trading partners.

“Investors are relieved that there is some progress being made in trade deals,” said Gene Goldman, chief investment officer at Cetera Investment Management. “This provides a little optimism heading into the weekend’s negotiations with China.”

The announcement came on the same day the Bank of England cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25%, and warned that lingering tariff uncertainty could shave 0.3% off UK growth over the next three years.

Bank Governor Andrew Bailey welcomed the UK-US agreement but noted that broader global relief — particularly involving China — would be needed to fully stabilise short-term growth.

Despite the positive market response, analysts warned that trade frictions remain elevated. John Denton, head of the International Chamber of Commerce, noted that overall US tariffs on UK goods are still higher than at the start of the year, and that future sector-specific levies, such as on pharmaceuticals, could undermine longer-term investor confidence.

The pound reversed early gains, dipping 0.15% against the dollar to $1.33, while sterling rose 0.47% against the euro to €1.18. Meanwhile, government borrowing costs nudged higher, with the yield on ten-year gilts climbing to 4.55%.

Despite lingering concerns, the deal was widely viewed as a strategic win for UK exporters, especially those in the manufacturing and automotive sectors, and a symbol of renewed momentum in transatlantic trade relations.

With discussions continuing on other fronts, particularly UK-China trade, the agreement has given investors and industry leaders reasons for cautious optimism — if not outright celebration.

Read more:
Carmakers and engineers cheer UK-US trade deal as steel and auto tariffs slashed

Dr. Malini Saba is an internationally respected entrepreneur, psychologist, and philanthropist whose multifaceted career spans over 30 years and numerous global industries.

As the founder of Saba Group, she has led pioneering ventures across sectors including agriculture, real estate, fintech, commodities, and healthcare. She is also the Chair and CEO of the Saba Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization she funds personally, dedicated to advancing education, healthcare access, and economic empowerment for women and children. Known for her fearless advocacy, Dr. Malini Saba partners with organizations worldwide to drive sustainable change. Her achievements have earned her numerous honors, including the Kalpana Chawla Award for Outstanding Woman of the Year and the Universal Peace Federation’s Ambassador of Peace designation. In addition to her leadership roles, she is a published author, devoted mother, and wellness enthusiast who deeply believes in the power of internal clarity and social responsibility to shape a better world.

What’s something you learned from failure that no classroom or mentor could teach you?

Failure taught me humility in a way no mentor or degree ever could. When you lose everything—reputation, money, relationships—you’re stripped down to your essence. That’s when you find out who you really are. It’s not just about rebuilding—it’s about rediscovering your purpose, your boundaries, and your own inner resilience. The world teaches you to avoid failure; I’ve learned to embrace it as a tool for reinvention.

How has being a mother influenced your leadership style?

Motherhood grounds me. It’s taught me patience, emotional intelligence, and the importance of listening. In business, these qualities are undervalued but vital. I lead with empathy. I look at every team member and ask: what support do they need to thrive? Motherhood made me a better CEO, because it shifted my focus from control to care.

What’s your personal definition of power, and has it evolved over time?

Power, to me, is the ability to remain calm and kind in chaos—and to influence change without dominating others. Earlier in life, I thought power was about control and visibility. Now I know it’s about impact, integrity, and the ability to lift others up without losing yourself.

You work across many sectors. How do you decide what industries to enter?

I look at two things: where there is systemic inefficiency, and where I can make the most long-term impact. I don’t chase trends. I study global patterns—economic shifts, climate influence, supply chains. My decisions are strategic, but they’re also personal. I only step into spaces where I believe my presence can bring lasting value.

What role does spirituality play in your personal and professional life?

Spirituality isn’t a separate part of my life—it’s the lens through which I view everything. My meditation practice keeps me grounded and helps me approach problems with clarity. It teaches me detachment from ego, which is crucial in high-stakes business and philanthropy. When you operate from inner stillness, your external decisions become much more powerful.

If you could redesign the way philanthropy works, what would you change?

I’d eliminate the dependency model. Too many philanthropic systems create temporary relief instead of systemic change. I believe in empowering communities to build their own futures. That means investing in education, training, infrastructure—not just aid. Philanthropy should be a catalyst for independence, not survival.

What’s something about your field that you think outsiders misunderstand?

People often romanticize entrepreneurship or philanthropy. They think it’s glamorous or purely altruistic. The truth is, it’s grueling, emotional, and sometimes deeply isolating. You’re constantly making tough calls that impact real lives. It requires a high tolerance for risk and an even higher commitment to integrity.

What do you believe is the greatest threat to global progress today?

Apathy. We live in a world where information is abundant, but compassion is often scarce. When people stop caring, stop engaging, or stop believing they can make a difference, that’s when progress stalls. My work is about reigniting purpose—because collective action begins with individual conviction.

How do you approach mentorship, especially for women?

I don’t believe in creating clones—I believe in helping women find their own voice and path. I offer strategic advice, sure, but I also challenge them to lead differently, to trust their instincts, and to build their own definition of success. The best mentorship doesn’t give you answers—it expands your questions.

If you could leave a one-sentence message for the next generation of changemakers, what would it be?

Lead with courage, act with compassion, and never underestimate the ripple effect of your integrity.

Read more:
An In Depth Conversation with Dr. Malini Saba On Leading With Impact

Salmon Scotland, the trade body representing the UK’s largest food export, has called on the UK Government to pursue further negotiations with the United States after it was confirmed that a 10% tariff on Scottish salmon exports will remain in place under the newly announced UK-US trade deal.

Speaking after discussions with UK Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner, Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the agreement marked a positive step but warned it should be viewed as a “staging post, not the destination” in ongoing efforts to reduce barriers for the industry.

“Scottish salmon is enjoyed in 50 countries worldwide, and we welcome strong trading relationships with overseas markets,” Scott said. “However, the 10 per cent tariff on exports to the US remains a barrier, and we want to see it removed.”

The US is Scotland’s second-largest export market, accounting for £225 million in sales in 2024 — more than a quarter of the UK’s total salmon exports by both value and volume. Despite the popularity of Scottish salmon in America, where it is considered a premium product, exporters face a competitive disadvantage compared to suppliers from countries like Chile, which dominates the US market.

Scott made his comments following meetings with UK officials and salmon businesses at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, the world’s largest seafood trade event.

Scott also welcomed this week’s announcement of a UK-India trade agreement, which includes the removal of a 33% tariff on salmon exports, a move he described as a “welcome step” and a clear example of the benefits of close government-industry collaboration.

“It shows what can be achieved when government works with our sector to open new opportunities,” he said.

With international markets growing in strategic importance for the sector, Salmon Scotland is urging ministers to continue trade talks with the US to level the playing field and unlock further economic growth and job creation in coastal communities.

The salmon farming industry supports thousands of jobs across Scotland and contributes significantly to the UK’s agri-food exports. But the 10% tariff on US-bound salmon, retained under the new trade deal, remains a cost burden for producers and a competitive disadvantage in one of the world’s most lucrative seafood markets.

“We want to build on our success in the US, not be held back by unnecessary barriers,” Scott added.

As the UK continues to reshape its global trading relationships post-Brexit, the salmon sector is urging policymakers to use trade diplomacy to remove friction and open doors for premium British exports.

Scott concluded: “Today’s US-UK deal should be seen as a staging post – not the destination – on the path to reducing trade barriers, securing jobs in Scotland, and driving economic growth.”

Read more:
Salmon Scotland urges further talks to scrap 10% US tariff after UK-US trade deal

Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK continued to surge in April, with battery electric cars claiming more than one in five new registrations, even as petrol and diesel car sales sharply declined — a development hailed by campaigners as a “clear signal” of public support for the shift to cleaner transport.

According to the latest Electric Car Count from New AutoMotive, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales rose by nearly 7% year-on-year, capturing a 20.4% market share. In total, 24,757 electric cars, 1,655 vans, 230 motorbikes, and 16 electric HGVs were registered in April.

Despite economic headwinds and uncertainty caused by shifting government policy and global tariffs, BEV sales remain 31.6% higher than during the same period in 2024 — a strong signal of consumer confidence in the EV market.

“In a week dominated by anti-net-zero press narratives and criticism of renewables by both Reform and the Conservatives, the stellar rise in EV sales in April suggests that on the ground, consumers are listening to a different narrative,” said Quentin Willson, founder of campaign group FairCharge.

In contrast, demand for new petrol vehicles fell below 30%, reflecting a major shift in buyer behaviour. Hybrid vehicles led the market, accounting for nearly a third of all new registrations, underlining the increasing appetite for low-emission alternatives.

The shift comes against the backdrop of changing Government incentives, evolving emissions policies, and Donald Trump’s sweeping global auto tariffs, which have disrupted supply chains and increased uncertainty in international vehicle markets.

The growth in EV sales is particularly striking given the current political climate, where net-zero scepticism and criticism of renewable investment have featured heavily in public discourse. Yet, the data suggests that British drivers are pressing ahead, embracing electrification in greater numbers regardless of political headwinds.

“Consumers are making informed choices — they want cheaper-to-run, cleaner, and future-proof cars,” said one industry analyst. “And they’re increasingly putting their money where their mouth is.”

The surge in EV uptake is also supported by improving infrastructure and wider model availability. Automakers and retailers have reported growing demand for affordable electric models, especially among fleet buyers and urban drivers.

With BEV market share now routinely above 20% and hybrid vehicles continuing to rise, the UK’s transport transition appears to be accelerating, despite ongoing challenges. However, campaigners warn that maintaining momentum will require continued investment in charging infrastructure, clear long-term policy, and consumer incentives.

The April figures come as the government prepares for a critical summer policy window, including energy and emissions announcements — and a likely general election campaign where net-zero and transport will be key battlegrounds.

For now, British drivers appear to have made up their minds: the future is electric — and it’s already arriving.

Read more:
British drivers send ‘clear signal’ in supporting electric cars as petrol and diesel sales nosedive