UK’s Exit from EU an Opportunity to Show Strength, Says Envoy

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ms. Harriet Thompson, yesterday said her country leaving the European Union (EU) today would be an opportunity for to show what Global Britain means.

In a statement last night, Thompson noted that the exit would foster a new relationship with her other partners; striking trade deals with new markets, reasserting herself as a liberal and free trading nation; and acting with strong moral anchors, as a force for good in the world.

The envoy added that the UK would be a global champion for free trade – benefitting businesses, reducing costs for consumers, and helping the poorest countries in the world achieve genuine economic independence.

The statement read: “Leaving the EU is an opportunity for us to show what Global Britain means: A new relationship with our EU and other partners; striking trade deals with new markets, reasserting ourselves as a liberal and free trading nation; and acting with strong moral anchors, as a force for good in the world. At the same time, as a truly Global Britain, we will remain committed to the vital issues of today and play our part in securing a better, fairer and safer world for tomorrow.

“The UK will be a global champion for free trade – benefitting businesses, reducing costs for consumers, and helping the poorest countries in the world achieve genuine economic independence.

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been clear that the UK will leave the European Union on January 31, 2020. As we leave the EU, we are forging a new partnership in Europe, one that builds on our common bonds of friendship and cooperation, but as sovereign equals, with greater democratic autonomy and a clear, independent voice to speak and act on the things that matter to us.

“We are also forming new partnerships and signing new agreements with non-European partners. The UK-Africa Investment Summit was organised to explore the investment opportunities in the African continent – home to 8 of the 15 fastest growing economies in the world. As the largest economy in Africa and the UK’s second largest trade partner on the continent, Nigeria will continue to have a preferential trade relationship with the UK. We intend to build further on the £5.5 billion trade relationship and the £324m in deals announced at the UK-AIS.

“The UK will be a global champion for free trade – benefitting businesses, reducing costs for consumers, and helping the poorest countries in the world achieve genuine economic independence.”