According to media reports, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced that the British government will ease mandatory electric vehicle (EV) sales regulations to help UK businesses withstand the impact of U.S. tariffs.
The UK Department for Transport stated that these adjustments will give British automakers more time to prepare for the planned phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2030. As part of these measures, hybrid vehicles will be allowed to be sold until 2035. Additionally, manufacturers will enjoy greater sales flexibility before 2030, and niche carmakers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Bentley will be exempt from mandatory EV sales targets.
The government also plans to invest £2.3 billion in building new charging infrastructure and offering incentives such as EV purchase tax breaks to boost demand.
In addition, the fine for selling vehicles that do not meet the latest emissions standards will be reduced from £15,000 to £12,000 per car.
These moves are the first phase of the Starmer administration's broader economic growth initiative. The Prime Minister described the measures as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's global reciprocal tariff policy, which has disrupted markets and raised fears of a global economic downturn.
Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on cars imported into the U.S. has hit the automotive sector particularly hard, forcing some manufacturers to halt production temporarily or offer deep discounts. Recently, UK automaker Jaguar Land Rover announced it would suspend shipments to the U.S. while it assesses how to respond to the new trade conditions.
Although the UK faces a 10% tariff-lower than the rates imposed on the EU, China, and other major economies-the Labour government has pledged to roll out further measures to support British industry.
In a recent government statement, the Prime Minister said the UK will "go further and faster" in strengthening its economy to "ensure it is as resilient as possible to withstand global shocks." He also emphasized the importance of strengthening trade ties with countries around the world.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer has spoken with international leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the U.S. tariff issue, stressing that now is the time for Europe to deepen cooperation.
Commenting on the Trump administration's tariff policy, UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated on April 7 that while the UK government is "disappointed" by the U.S. tariffs, it is pursuing a limited trade agreement with the United States to reduce duties on British exports and may adopt a non-confrontational stance toward the new U.S. policy.
