Starmer insists India trade deal will not affect UK visas as he heads to Mumbai
Guardian2 days
UK: Starmer Leads 125-Member Trade Mission to India
Above: U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India on Oct. 8, 2025. Image copyright: Leon Neal/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Starmer's historic trade mission with 125 business leaders showcases the transformative U.K.-India partnership that will boost bilateral trade by tens of billions annually by 2040. This landmark agreement slashes tariffs on 99% of products and positions both nations to capitalize on India's rise as one of the world's strongest economies.
Establishment-critical narrative
The U.K.-India trade deal represents dangerous corporate colonialism that hands power to Big Pharma and tech giants while threatening domestic markets in both countries. This agreement bypasses democratic scrutiny in both nations and sends a clear message that the illusion of positive headlines means more to each government than positive solutions for its people.