David Lammy, the leader of the UK’s Opposition Labour Party, lambasted the ruling Conservatives on Monday for failing to finalize a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India during his address at the India Global Forum (IGF).
David Lammy, also the Labour Party’s shadow foreign secretary, expressed frustration over the prolonged negotiations, stating, “Many Diwalis have come and gone without a trade deal and too many businesses have been left waiting.”
He emphasized India’s significance as a priority for the Labour Party, describing it as an economic, technological, and cultural “superpower.”
David Lammy took a dig at former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s approach and pledged a new direction if Labour wins the upcoming July 4 general elections. “With Labour, let’s finally get our free trade deal done and move on,” he asserted, announcing plans to visit Delhi before July ends.
The Labour leader criticized the Conservatives for overpromising and underdelivering on UK-India ties and expressed ambitions for an FTA that acts as a starting point rather than a limit to bilateral relations.
He highlighted shared democratic values between India and the UK and acknowledged India’s pivotal role in global climate action. David Lammy also praised the contributions of British Indians to modern Britain, citing his personal connection to India through his great-grandmother from Calcutta.
Negotiations for the UK-India FTA, initiated in January 2022, have completed 13 rounds with the 14th round underway since January 10, aiming to bolster the £38.1 billion trading relationship.
The stalled talks coincide with upcoming elections in both countries, impacting the pace of negotiations despite recent discussions between PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for an early agreement.
