Britain’s new role as ‘invisible chain’ linking free-trade nations
THE UK’s post-Brexit role should be to act as an invisible chain linking the democracies of the world supporting free trade, Jeremy Hunt will say today.
The Foreign Secretary is visiting Singapore just days after hailing the Asian economy as a possible example for Britain to follow after we leave the EU on March 29.
On a three-day visit to Asia the Foreign Secretary will claim that the UK’s history and geography gives it the chance to be an “invisible chain” linking democracies across the world. Despite the Brexit process, Mr Hunt will highlight the “friendship” with Europe as one of the UK’s key international advantages.
In a speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore, Mr Hunt will say: “In a world where it is rarely possible for one country to achieve its ambitions alone, we have some of the best connections of any country – whether through the Commonwealth, our alliance with the United States and our friendship with our in Europe.
“Those connections mean that Britain is amongst only a handful of European countries with an embassy or high commission in every member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.”
The UK is set to open a new mission to the Asean headquarters in Jakarta later in 2019.
Mr Hunt will add: “Those connections are why Britain’s post-Brexit role should be to act as an invisible chain linking together the democracies of the world, those neighbours countries which share our values and support our belief in free trade, the rule of law and open societies.”
Speaking at the weekend Mr Hunt suggested the UK should follow the example of low-tax Singapore as it forges a new position in the world after Brexit.
He said Singapore had transformed from a “tiny territory devoid of natural resources into the world’s eighth richest country”.
He added: “There could be few better instructions for us as we make our postBrexit future.”