DOWNING STREET distanced itself from David Lammy’s comments today after the Foreign Secretary said he regretted the “return to protectionism” in Washington.

Mr Lammy said the US had introduced international trade policies not seen for almost 100 years after slapping a 10 per cent tax on imports, adding that Britons would be “very concerned” about how President Donald Trump’s new tariffs would affect their finances.

He also said that “all options are on the table” in trade deal negotiations with the US.

It follows concerns from campaigners and independent politicians over a trade deal involving selling off the NHS and other public services.

Mr Lammy told reporters: “We are a nation that believes in open trade, and I regret the return to protectionism in the United States, something that we’ve not seen for nearly a century.

“As you know, we are consulting with business and industry.

“At this time, we are engaged in discussions with the United States to strike an economic agreement and an economic deal.

“We have been absolutely clear that all options are on the table as we ensure the national interests of the British people, who will be very concerned at this time about how this affects the bottom line for them and their economic welfare.”

Asked whether the Foreign Secretary was speaking for the government, a Number 10 spokesman said: “You have the Foreign Secretary’s words, and you have the Prime Minister’s words from yesterday.”

Asked whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would characterise it as a “new era of protectionism,” the spokesman said: “No, I wouldn’t characterise it in any particular way apart from the fact that the global economic landscape is shifting, and we need to shift with it.”

The spokesman also declined to back Mr Trump’s claim that Sir Keir is “very happy” with Britain’s tariff treatment, saying: “I think you have the Business Secretary’s words… we’re disappointed by the tariffs that have been brought in.

Downing Street said Sir Keir would be engaging with international leaders over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that the government is “determined to get the best deal we can” but was unable to give a timeframe for a trade deal with Mr Trump.