Today marks a historic moment for Global Britain. As of 12:00am on 15 December 2024, the UK has officially joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming the first new member to accede to the groundbreaking trade bloc.
This milestone cements Britain’s position as a champion of free and fair trade and opens the doors to extraordinary opportunities in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
This triumph would not have been possible without Brexit and the vision of the last Conservative government, which made the UK’s post-EU independence a platform for bold, global ambition. Freed from the constraints of Brussels, the UK has carved out a role as a leading force for trade liberalisation, proving that Britain is better off charting its own course on the world stage.
Why the CPTPP Matters
The CPTPP links the UK to a dynamic Indo-Pacific region that accounts for 60% of the world’s population and the majority of global economic growth. With half of the world’s billion middle-class consumers expected to reside in this region in the decades ahead, this deal ensures Britain is plugged into the most lucrative opportunities of the 21st century.
Membership slashes tariffs, boosts exports, and strengthens the UK’s competitiveness across industries. For British car manufacturers, it reduces the burden of rules of origin requirements that add significant costs to exported vehicles. The financial services sector—one of Britain’s strongest industries—gains unprecedented access to trade across CPTPP member nations.
Britain’s farmers, so often overlooked in global trade agreements, also stand to benefit. The National Farmers’ Union has welcomed the opportunities to sell premium British produce overseas, demonstrating how this agreement has been carefully crafted to benefit all sectors of the economy.
A Conservative Victory
The UK’s accession to the CPTPP is a direct result of years of effort by the Conservative government, which prioritised free trade as a cornerstone of its economic strategy after Brexit. It is a shining testament to the determination, expertise, and leadership of the Conservative negotiating team, led by the indefatigable Sir Crawford Falconer, who ensured Britain secured world-class terms.
In stark contrast, Labour’s attempts to claim credit for this achievement are laughable. Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, Labour has shown little interest in trade deals, with one of its first acts being to dispense with the services of Sir Crawford, the UK’s most experienced trade negotiator.
As the architect of this triumph, the Conservative Party deserves full recognition for delivering a deal that enhances Britain’s standing and secures new opportunities for businesses and workers alike.
Strengthening Global Leadership
The CPTPP is not just a trade deal; it is a geopolitical milestone. Originally conceived as a counterweight to Chinese influence in the Pacific, the bloc offers a free-market alternative for nations seeking to strengthen ties without relying on Beijing.
Britain’s seat at the table gives it a powerful voice in shaping the future of global trade and the expansion of the CPTPP. The fact that China has now applied to join is a testament to the bloc’s success and influence.
The Challenge Ahead
While the CPTPP represents a monumental opportunity for Britain, there is an urgent need to ensure that these benefits are not squandered. Rachel Reeves’s Budget, laden with tax hikes and strangling regulations, risks undermining the very advantages this deal provides.
Former Conservative ministers have warned that a low-tax, low-regulation economy is essential for the UK to fully capitalise on its new trade links. Without this, investment will be deterred, innovation stifled, and the potential of deals like the CPTPP left unrealised.
A Bright Future, Thanks to Brexit
The CPTPP is a ray of hope in an otherwise challenging economic outlook. It proves that Brexit was not just a break from the EU but a launchpad for a new era of global Britain.
The Conservative Party worked tirelessly to secure this historic deal, showcasing Britain’s commitment to prosperity, opportunity, and free trade. Now, it is imperative that the current Labour government takes full advantage of what we have achieved.
As Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch put it so eloquently:
“The CPTPP is a bright light in an otherwise gloomy economic forecast. Let’s hope Labour doesn’t extinguish it with their tax-and-spend policies.”
Britain’s future can be bright—if only the Labour government has the foresight to see it. But make no mistake: this achievement belongs to Brexit, to the Conservatives, and to the belief that Britain thrives when it leads.
So the UK has now joined up with Vietnam, a single-party Communist state, and Brunei is an Islamic absolute monarchy and will have to abide the rules on trade which they impose. And the communist Peoples Republic of China is striving to join the CPTPP and when that happens they will be ruling the roost over other members.
Good news. Although we look hilarious over the other side of the world 😂.
But why are you talking that way about China? They won’t be joining soon, for very good reasons. They’ve wanted to join for 10 years. USA could make sure Canada and Mexico say no and Trump surely would make that clear.
If this kind of aspiration was talked up better 2017 to now then the UK would have fewer retainers.
What immigration rules do we have to accept if any?
Sorry “remainers”