Chancellor Rachel Reeves has dismissed calls for a ‘Buy British’ campaign in response to import tariffs introduced by the US, over fears that such action would make the UK appear too “inward-looking”.

Speaking in the Commons, Reeves ruled out backing a Buy British campaign when asked by Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper to support the drive publicly, reported Sky News.

Instead, the chancellor said buying British should be a consumer choice, and not policy, adding the move would make the country appear too “inward looking”

Reeves said: “If every country decided they wanted to buy things produced in their country, that would not be a good way forward.”

However, she acknowledged that US President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes would continue to have huge implications for the world’s economy.

“I know that this is an anxious time for families who are worried about the cost of living,” added Reeves. “We have your backs. And British businesses who are worried about what a changing world will mean for them, we have your backs too.”

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The chancellor’s comment follows the US implementation of a slew of global tariffs of various severity across countries around the world, with the UK receiving a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and 25% on cars imported to the US.

Commenting on the tariff the British Retail Consortium, representing UK retailers and supermarkets, said the barriers have created uncertainties for businesses.

A spokesperson from the BRC said: “Trade barriers create uncertainty for businesses, increasing global prices of goods and putting further pressure on inflation.

“Retailers in the UK already face significant cost pressures from rising employer NICs, higher NLW (National Living Wage), and a new packaging tax; further global cost pressures would be unwelcome for retailers and their customers alike.”