‘People said it would never be done’: UK and India trade agreement defies expectations
Guardian2 days
UK-India Sign £6B Trade Deal Cutting Tariffs on Goods
Above: Keir Starmer welcomes Narendra Modi at Chequers on July 24, 2025, in Aylesbury, England. Image copyright: Kin Cheung/WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
This trade deal is a massive win for Britain's post-Brexit economy, creating over 2,200 jobs and unlocking £6 billion in investment opportunities. The agreement demonstrates the U.K.'s ability to be nimble on the international stage, securing better market access for British whisky, cars, and services while making Indian goods more affordable for consumers. Enhanced cooperation on crime and migration shows that this partnership extends beyond trade.
Right narrative
The deal raises serious concerns about undercutting British workers through extended social security exemptions for Indian professionals and potential job displacement. While officials deny that immigration impacts are a concern, the agreement facilitates easier access to temporary work, which could disadvantage domestic talent. The limited access to India's financial services sector shows Britain didn't get everything it wanted from these lengthy negotiations.