Britain says tariffs are no answer to Airbus dispute after WTO ruling

Britain said tariffs were in no-one's interest and should not be applied to the UK after a ruling by the World Trade Organization on Wednesday that the United States could target $7.5 billion of imports from the European Union over illegal subsidies for planemaker Airbus.

"The UK government is clear that resorting to tariffs is not in the interests of the UK, EU or US. We are working closely with the US, EU, and European partners to support a negotiated settlement to the Airbus and Boeing disputes," the British government said after the WTO's decision.

"We are also seeking confirmation from the WTO that the UK has complied fully with WTO rulings regarding support to Airbus, and should not be subject to tariffs."