MINISTERS will discuss increasing funding for British steel after the US imposed a 25 per cent import tariff, trade minister Douglas Alexander said today.

Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, he added that there was a “window of opportunity” for Britain to have a “cool and clear-headed” response before the tariffs are due to come into force on March 12.

He denied that President Trump’s announcement had come as a surprise, insisting that Britain “stands ready” to find solutions that work for both countries.