Starmer to visit Gulf states as he strives to deepen trade ties Politics Keir Starmer will strive to strengthen trade ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in his first trip to the Persian Gulf as prime minister. The PM will meet UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, after flying to the Gulf on Sunday [...]
Ex-Bank top economist Haldane says UK can strike Trump trade deal and boost EU ties Economics The Bank of England’s ex-chief economist has said Keir Starmer can simultaneously strike a trade deal with Donald Trump and rebuild relations with the EU to show the UK is "open for business".
Next boss Lord Wolfson sells £29m of stock in the high street bellwether Business Next’s chief executive has sold £29m worth of shares in the FTSE 100 fashion and homeware store. Lord Wolfson of Aspley Guise sold around 290,000 shares, leaving him with 950,000 shares worth £100m, Next told markets on Friday. News of the sale sent Next’s share price down 3.5 per cent, although it’s risen by 21.24 [...]
UK signs trade pact with Thailand in bid to boost exports September 18, 2024 The UK has signed an enhanced trade pact with Thailand in an effort to boost British exports and drive investment. Trade minister Douglas Alexander inked the enhanced trade partnership (ETP) agreement with Thai commerce minister Pichai Naripthaphan in Bangkok this morning (Wednesday). It came during the Blair-era minister’s first visit to Asia after being re-elected [...]
‘Open for business’: Ministers head to Gulf states in bid to boost UK trade links September 16, 2024 Senior ministers are heading to the Gulf states for talks on boosting the UK’s economy via expanding trade links with the region and attracting international investment. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and trade minister Douglas Alexander are flying to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on their first joint international visit since the election, with Alexander then set to [...]
Industrial strategy must boost e-commerce exports to help small firms, report urges September 9, 2024 The government’s industrial strategy must prioritise e-commerce in order to boost small business exports and promote economic growth, a report has urged. Improving trade technology adoption, boosting support for targeting emerging markets, and developing initiatives to support female-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would make a significant contribution to the number of small firms exporting, [...]
UK-EU trade has ‘flatlined’ but hopes for ‘reset’, MPs told September 6, 2024 UK trade with the European Union (EU) has “essentially flatlined”, MPs were told, but the new government hopes to “reset our relationship” with the neighbouring bloc. Business minister Douglas Alexander told the House of Commons: “Overall trade since 2018 has essentially flatlined. “As a government, we’re determined to reset our relationship with the EU more [...]
Crawling back to the EU after Brexit will only end badly for Britain July 31, 2024 The new government is seeking closer ties to the EU, but Brussels will not be kind to a prodigal son, writes Paul Ormerod Clear signals are being emitted by Keir Starmer’s government on the European Union (EU). A much closer relationship is being sought on a wide range of issues such as trade and defence. [...]
Britain eyes Gulf and India for new free trade deals July 29, 2024 Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said his teams would be entering negotiating rooms "as soon as possible."
Labour government ‘seeking closer relationship’ with EU, Reynolds to say July 16, 2024 The UK is “seeking a closer relationship” with the European Union (EU), Jonathan Reynolds will say as he travels to the G7 trade summit.