Cheltenham MP, Max Wilkinson, has launched a Buy Cheltenham, Back Britain campaign to support local businesses in the wake of Donald Trump's tariffs announced this week (April 2).

Max said that people should rally round local businesses at risk from the economic shock caused by Donald Trump's trade war, including local producers and high street shops.

The measures announced by the US president will see 10% tariffs on UK exports and 25% tariffs on all automotive exports to the US. It's estimated that Trump's tariffs could wipe out up to 1% of GDP, which would push many British businesses to the wall.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling on the government to come forward with a raft of measures to help businesses stay afloat and protect Cheltenham's high street, including scrapping the jobs tax and overhauling business rates.

Cheltenham is home to many successful businesses, including a thriving hospitality sector and the most significant cluster of cyber businesses outside of London. Max has championed both sectors since his election last year, calling on the government to look again at business rates and being commended by ministers for his relentless campaigning for Cheltenham's cyber businesses.

The Liberal Democrats have outlined a number of steps the government should be taking to back British businesses in the face of Trump's tariffs and stagnant economic growth. They include overhauling the business rates system to unleash the growth potential of high streets and manufacturers and scrapping the growth-crushing increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) coming into effect in the coming days

Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, said: "People here in Cheltenham are deeply concerned about the impact that Donald Trump's disastrous trade war could have on our living standards and local businesses.

"That is why I am launching a Buy Cheltenham, Back Britain campaign, to encourage people to play their part in supporting our fantastic local businesses and high street shops at this difficult time.

"I'm determined to back our local economy and I've done that since day one in Parliament. That's why I lobbied so hard to secure the £20m for the Golden Valley and that's why I've launched the Cheltenham MP and Business Network."