Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK will have a post-Brexit trade deal with India, says Catherine McGuinness

The City of London Corporation's Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness believes the future of India-UK ties looks “rosy”. Brexit, she assures, would in no way hamper the relations that “continue to blossom”.

“The UK and India already have strong ties. We have been the top G20 investor in India over the last 10 years, and bilateral trade stands at over £20 billion,” said McGuinness in a recent interview to The Hindu BusinessLine. “I don’t think Brexit can dampen anything in this story.”


McGuinness, who was on a two-day visit to India, said the country was “in a really exciting place”, thanks to some of the reform measures initiated by the Modi government, especially the changes in the “insolvency regime”.

The India-UK ties could get only stronger with steady government support from both sides, she said. Work, she elaborated, was already underway “through the ongoing UK-India Joint Trade Review, the only one of its kind the UK has with any other country, and one which will lay the framework for the future trade partnership”.

She also pointed to the Joint Economic and Trade Committee looking at strategic economic ties, and the Economic and Financial Dialogue, focusing on trade and investment relations.

“Add to this mix,” she said, “the commitment by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to making India one of his first destinations for an overseas visit following his re-election, and the future looks rather rosy for us both.”

Things looked brighter and there was “a lot more certainty” than there was, as both India and UK were having governments with strong majorities, she opined. “… I am sure there will be a post-Brexit trade deal between India and the UK, but do remember these things take time.”

McGuinness said there was plenty of scope for enhancing ties in the green financing sector, “looking at the opportunities for investors through London to invest in green infrastructure projects here [Indian]”.

On the issue of immigration, she said the UK would “remain open to international talent”, and termed the increase in work and student visa applications from India “great”.

“We have seen significantly more work visas given to Indians in the last year than any other country―we had more than 50,000 work visas last year,” she highlighted. “The next highest is the US with around 10,000. That's really staggering.”

Talking of Brexit’s impact on London as a global financial centre, McGuinness said “it will remain so long into the future”. Brexit meant there was “more business to be done”, she added.

“I would send a strong message of reassurance and confidence: We are not just about EU-facing business. There is a whole world besides.”

More For You

single-use vapes-iStock

Analysis by Material Focus estimates that 8.2 million vapes are discarded or littered each week in the UK—equivalent to 13 every second. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Shops told to clear single-use vapes before ban starts on June 1

SHOPS across the UK have until 1 June 2025 to sell off remaining stocks of single-use vapes before a nationwide ban comes into force.

The legislation, confirmed last year, follows a government consultation that showed strong support for restricting their sale and supply.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump’s Promise: TikTok Deal Before April 5 to Avoid Ban

This is not the first time that TikTok has been under scrutiny in the United States

Getty

Trump promises TikTok deal before April 5 to prevent ban

As the clock ticks towards the April 5 deadline, the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, with President Donald Trump promising that a deal to resolve the app's ongoing issues will be struck before the deadline. The central issue at hand is whether TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, will be forced to divest the popular social media platform or face a ban in the U.S.

In a statement made aboard Air Force One late on Sunday, Trump confirmed that there was "tremendous interest" from potential buyers looking to acquire TikTok. He expressed his desire for the platform to "remain alive" and emphasized that multiple buyers were keen on striking a deal, suggesting that a solution would be reached before the deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Primark-London-Getty

During his 15-year tenure, Marchant expanded Primark’s store network to more than 450 locations across 17 countries in Europe and the United States. (Photo: Reuters)

Primark chief Paul Marchant steps down after misconduct probe

PAUL MARCHANT, the head of fashion retailer Primark, has resigned with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting.

Associated British Foods (AB Foods), Primark's parent company, announced his resignation on Monday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

JAGUAR’S ambition to seduce younger, richer drivers was on full display in Paris with a presentation of its newest prototype, the Type 00, which promises all-electric luxury... at a steep price.

The low-slung, muscular-looking concept car presented to European reporters last Friday (21) prefigures a production model expected mid-2026 at a base cost of €150,000 (£123,472.8).

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less