October 27, 2022
2 mins read

Hands calls India an economic superpower

New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced Labour leader Keir Starmer and other MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions…reports Asian Lite News

Greg Hands, Minister for Trade Policy, called India an “economic superpower” and says an FTA would improve access to its “dynamic market”, media reports said.

He said the government is negotiating an ambitious FTA that “works for both countries” and that the “majority of chapters” of the agreement have already been reached, with more rounds expected shortly, BBC reported.

Hands added that the deal would drive growth, support jobs across the UK, and help British goods to reach India’s growing middle class.

Labour MP Nick Thomas-Symonds had asked for an update on the progress of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced Labour leader Keir Starmer and other MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Starmer pressed him on the re-appointment of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary just six days after she resigned over data breaches, saying he made a “grubby deal” with her, BBC reported.

Sunak responded that Braverman “made an error of judgment”, has apologised, and he’s delighted to have her back in cabinet.

The pair also clashed over Sunak’s stated commitment to helping the most vulnerable – with Starmer questioning it.

But Sunak says that he is honest about mistakes and economic difficulties, while accusing the Labour leader of “selling fairy tales”.

It comes after the government delayed announcing its plan to repair the UK’s finances until 17 November.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the plan, originally due on Monday, would be upgraded to a full Autumn Statement – calling the delay “prudent”.

‘Most of India trade deal completed’

Britain has completed the majority of sections of a free trade agreement with India but will only sign off on the deal once happy that it is fair and reciprocal, trade department minister Greg Hands said on Wednesday.

“We have already closed the majority of chapters and look forward to the next round of talks shortly,” Hands told parliament. The government had previously said it wanted to complete the deal by Diwali, a deadline which passed earlier this week.

“We are working towards the best deal for both sides and won’t sign until we have a deal that is fair, reciprocal and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the UK economy.”

ALSO READ-Braverman back as a result of grubby deal, says Labour

Previous Story

Hope bilateral links will be deepened, Sonia to Sunak

Next Story

BCCI announces equal pay for men and women cricket team

Latest from -Top News

India opens world’s highest rail bridge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir and flagged off the much-awaited Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar, marking a historic moment

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural communities The United Arab Emirates and Egypt reaffirmed their strong

‘UAE leads global fight against plastic waste’

UAE accelerates its fight against plastic pollution with a bold single-use plastic ban and expanded environmental policies to safeguard natural ecosystems for future generations The United Arab Emirates continues to lead the

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, the

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the sun blazed overhead and temperatures climbed to a sweltering 41°C,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Hands replaces Zahawi as Tory chairman

Number 10 also confirmed business, energy and industrial strategy secretary