Labour Promises Swift India-UK Trade Deal If Elected

The UK's Labour Party has criticized the Conservatives for failing in their promises regarding India-UK relations. Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy asserted the party's readiness to finalize a free trade agreement if victorious in the July 4 election. Lammy emphasized India's importance as an economic and cultural superpower.

The UK's Opposition Labour Party launched a sharp critique on Monday against the governing Conservatives, accusing them of 'over-promising and under-delivering' on India-UK relations, and pledged immediate action on a free trade agreement (FTA) if they clinch victory in the July 4 general election.

Speaking at the India Global Forum (IGF) during the decisive week of the campaign, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy outlined his vision for an FTA, describing it as a 'floor not a ceiling' for the envisioned partnership with his 'friend' External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The proposed agreement could significantly impact the current GBP 38.1 billion annual trading relationship, which has been stagnant amid election cycles in both nations.

'Many Diwalis have come and gone without sealing a trade deal, leaving numerous businesses in limbo,' Lammy remarked, referencing the missed Diwali 2022 deadline set by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He sent a direct message to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, stating Labour's readiness to finalize the deal and move forward.

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