Tory trade chief warns against ‘deeper entanglement’ with the EU

Andrew Griffith, the Conservative Party’s trade chief, cautioned against the UK pursuing closer economic ties with the European Union, warning that deeper integration could hinder the government’s ability to secure broader trade agreements globally. Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, Griffith emphasized that maintaining trade independence is crucial for the UK to capitalize on opportunities outside the EU. He argued that a Labour government’s potential move toward stronger EU alignment might limit Britain’s trade flexibility and damage its prospects for new deals with countries such as the United States and Australia. Griffith highlighted the importance of preserving the UK’s autonomy in setting trade rules and regulations to attract investment and foster economic growth. The remarks come amid ongoing debates about the UK’s post-Brexit trade strategy and its relationship with the EU. Griffith’s stance reflects concerns within the Conservative Party about balancing economic sovereignty with international cooperation in a changing global trade environment.