UK Plan For 'Unlawful' Steel Tariffs Sparks Fresh EU Clash

Boris Johnson has said he is considering extending steel tariffs, despite concerns the move could break international rules and put him on course for another major row with the EU. The prime minister is reportedly drawing up plans to slap "safeguard" limits of steel imports from several developing countries, and extend existing tariffs already imposed on China and others.

- Adam Forrest

But critics have warned the move to widen tariffs will "violate" World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, with the EU ambassador to Britain warning against any "protectionism". Lord Geidt, the PM's ex-ethics adviser, cited steel tariff plans in his resignation letter earlier this month - saying he had been put in the "odious position" of being asked to license a breach of the rules.

Mr Johnson said yesterday he wanted UK steel to enjoy the "same protections" other EU steel economies have – arguing that the industry was going through a hard time due to energy prices. "I think it is reasonable for UK steel to have the same protections that other European, absolutely every other European steel economy does," he told reporters at the G7 summit in Germany.