Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK Government is “in discussions” with the European Union after the economic bloc announced plans to implement 50 per cent on steel, which could threaten British industry.

The EU is planning to match tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump as global trade wars continue to heat up with UK steel industry representatives describing the potential levy as “devastating”.

During a trade mission to India, Mr Starmer was asked if he believed the EU will continue with its plans. He shared: “Well, I think our position in relation to our steel industry is one of strong support as you saw from Scunthorpe and Port Talbot.

“In relation to the question of tariffs or other measures, as you’d expect, we are in discussions with the EU about this, as we’re in discussions with the US about it. So, I’ll be able to tell you more in due course but we are in discussions, as you’d expect.”

“Pressed on whether the UK was seeking exemptions, the Prime Minister replied: “I’m not going to go into the details, but I’m going to tell you in clear terms, as you would expect, we are discussing this with the EU and with the US.”

During an interview with Times Radio, UK Steel’s director general Gareth Stace described the potential tax on steel imports in Europe as being “devastating” to the industry.

He explained: “The US has closed off its steel market to imports and today what we’ve seen is the EU proposing to do the same. We’re seeing a rapid rise of protectionist trade measures all over the world.

“And let me tell you, the last country to defend its steel industry will be the first country to de-industrialise. This is a massive issue for our sector.

“If the UK Government can’t get round the table with the EU and convince the EU that we’re their friend, not their enemy, and then carve out a reasonable quota for UK exports into the EU, then we will see job losses in our sector.

“The like we haven’t seen for a number of years. And therefore, now is the time for Government at the very senior levels talking to the EU to get a deal for the UK steel sector.

“We will never, if we can’t get a deal, be the same steel sector in the UK ever again if we cannot trade with our biggest trading partner.”

Responding to overnight reports that the EU was preparing to introduce a sizable tariff on steel imports, the UK Government confirmed it was “pushing for urgent clarification”.

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Labou’s Industry Minister Chris McDonald said: “We will always defend our critical steel industry, which is why we are pushing the European Commission for urgent clarification of the impact of this move on the UK.

“It’s vital we protect trade flows between the UK and EU, and we will work with our closest allies to address global challenges rather than adding to our industries’ woes.

“This Government has shown its commitment to our steel industry by securing preferential access to the US market for our exporters and we continue to explore stronger trade measures to protect UK steel producers from unfair behaviours.”

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