British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Tuesday that trade discussions between the United Kingdom and the United States are “well advanced.” In an interview, Starmer described the U.S. as “our closest ally” and emphasized that the ongoing talks are moving at a rapid pace toward an economic agreement.

“I don’t think anybody wants to see tariffs. We’re working hard on an economic deal which we’ve made rapid progress on, and I hope we can make really speedy resolutions on,” Starmer told Sky News political editor Beth Rigby. He made clear that the priority remains a mutually beneficial agreement, not escalating tensions.

While refusing to confirm whether the UK would impose retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. trade actions, Starmer maintained a firm yet measured stance. “Nobody wants to see a trade war. But I have to act in the national interest, and that means that all options have to remain on the table,” he said, leaving room for potential responses if required.

The Prime Minister added that his administration is currently engaging with industries and sectors most affected by U.S. tariffs. He emphasized that the overwhelming message from these sectors is a desire for stability. “What they want most is a calm and collected response to this, not a knee-jerk response,” he noted.

Starmer’s comments come as the UK navigates a delicate balance between preserving its economic relationship with the U.S. and protecting domestic interests. The possibility of tariffs, while still uncertain, has raised concerns among business leaders and policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic.

The progress in trade negotiations signals a shared intent to prevent escalation and instead foster economic cooperation. Observers expect that both nations will continue to prioritize diplomacy in the coming weeks to finalize terms that reflect shared values and strategic alignment.

With high stakes involved and industries watching closely, the outcome of these talks could shape the next phase of transatlantic economic ties. Starmer’s remarks suggest a calculated, diplomatic approach with a focus on long-term gains over short-term political gestures.