A Labour minister has suggested an angry response to Donald Trump’s economic chaos could have scuppered the landmark Universal Studios UK theme park deal.
Lisa Nandy said the Government’s reaction to swingeing tariffs showed “cool heads” are in charge – as she denied Keir Starmer’s response to tariffs has been “weak”. Today the massive park near Bedford, expected to pump £50 billion into the economy and create 28,000 jobs, was announced.
The Culture Secretary said the deal during turbulent economic times was a “vote in confidence” in the UK’s leadership. It comes as Mr Starmer refused to retaliate against the White House by slapping levies on US goods – although he says the option is “on the table”.
Asked if Trump’s chaos and the threat of a global recession could have torpedoed the Universal Studio, Ms Nandy said: “Look, this deal comes off the back of one of the most tumultuous few weeks in global markets that I think anyone can remember within living memory.
“And the fact that we’ve been able to show that we have steady political leadership here in the United Kingdom, that we’re committed to working with governments all over the world, that we don’t take knee jerk decisions in response to global events, but we keep a cool head, work with our allies and defend British interests is one of the reasons that we’ve been able to announce this huge deal today – and why we’ll be able to announce more deals in coming months.
“The UK is open for business. We’re stable, good place to do business and that’s why we’ve been able to attract the sheer number of investments that we’ve announced in the last few months alone.”
The US President sparked alarm by announcing 25% tariffs on cars and steel and 10% on all other goods from the UK. Although it is lower than some countries face, experts fear it will heap misery on British workers.
Mr Starmer has refused to strike back, saying no one will benefit from a trade war. Ms Nandy told Sky News: “I don’t think it’s a weak response at all. The our job as a government is to do what is in Britain’s national interest.
“Our relationship with the United States is long and it’s deep. You know, it comes to military and security and defence cooperation. We’ve always had a very, very close relationship with the United States and the rest of our Five Eyes (intelligence sharing) partners.
“We will continue to do so, will continue to trade with the United States. I think we’re right to take that approach. But I also think that the reason that we’re able to announce the announcement that we’re making today is about the one of the biggest investments into the United Kingdom in recent times, huge vote of confidence in the UK is because we are getting on with our plan for change.”
The Culture Secretary hit out at the Tories for not getting the agreement over the line when they were in power. She told the BBC: “The last government delayed and deterred. We’ve acted and made sure that we’re delivering for British people.”
The Prime Minister announced an agreement has been reached with Universal and Befordshire Council for the 476-acre entertainment resort complex, complete with a 500-room hotel today.
Nearly 20,000 jobs will be created during the six-year construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
The highly anticipated attraction is set to be the first of its kind on British soil, with a host of immersive experiences – from thrilling roller coasters to iconic movie-themed areas. Fans can expect to walk through landscapes inspired by Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and other Universal blockbusters, all crammed into one action-packed destination.
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