Reeves faces pressure on tax promises as Trump tariffs threaten UK growth

EY Item Club downgrades UK growth forecast to 0.9% for 2025

Sahar Nazir
clock • 3 min read

Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be pushed into breaking Labour’s commitment not to raise taxes on workers as escalating trade tensions initiated by Donald Trump put Britain’s economic recovery at risk, according to EY Item Club.

Analysis from the EY Item Club has warned that the president's tariff plans could dent the UK's economic growth and discourage business investment. The independent economic forecaster has downgraded its UK GDP growth projection for 2025 from 1.6% to 0.9%, citing the likely impact of US tariffs on global trade and business confidence. The potential shortfall in tax revenues could erode the £9.9bn of fiscal headroom that Reeves has maintained under Labour's fiscal rules. EY Item Club chief economic adviser Matt Swannell said: "The government's fiscal headroom appeared narrow even bef...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

One in five adults have made panic-driven financial decisions

One in five adults have made panic-driven financial decisions

Link between financial education and levels of anxiety

Jaskeet Briah
clock 25 February 2026 • 1 min read
Who really owns the digital client relationship? From ownership to orchestration

Who really owns the digital client relationship? From ownership to orchestration

The battle for the digital layer

Tessa Lee
clock 23 February 2026 • 5 min read
Why more financial advisers should post on TikTok

Why more financial advisers should post on TikTok

‘In 2026, financial advisers should take another look at TikTok’

Joe Jordan
clock 23 February 2026 • 4 min read