Rachel Reeves has rejected requests to launch a “Buy British” campaign in response to Donald Trump’s trade war.

The Chancellor dismissed “inward-looking” calls from MPs for a publicity drive that would urge shoppers to buy more goods and produce grown in the UK.

It comes as Downing Street looks to change procurement rules to give an advantage to British firms bidding for government contracts.

Answering questions in the Commons on Tuesday, Ms Reeves was asked by Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrats’ Treasury spokesman, to “commit to a ‘Buy British’ campaign”.

She replied: “In terms of buying British, I think everyone will make their own decisions.

“What we don’t want to see is a trade war with Britain becoming inward-looking, because if every country in the world decided they only wanted to buy things produced in their country, that is not a good way forward.

“Our country has benefited hugely from access to global markets and we want to continue to be able to do that because that is in our national interest, for working people and businesses in our country.”

Her remarks were later echoed by the Prime Minister’s official spokesman, who said Sir Keir Starmer believes it should be up to individual shoppers which products they choose to buy.

Asked if Sir Keir agreed with his Chancellor, the spokesman said: “Well, of course, we’re an open trading nation. That is something the Prime Minister and Chancellor have previously said. We want to see fewer trade barriers around the world.

“At the same time we also continue to prioritise and support British manufacturers, British producers… We can take a two-fold approach, we can be an open trading nation while also supporting British producers and manufacturers.”