‘We’ll back freedom fighters in trade war’
LIZ Truss has said Britain will back trade “freedom fighters” rather than protectionists after we split from the EU.
The International Trade Secretary pledged to work with Commonwealth countries and “rising” nations in South America and South-east Asia.
She also said free ports will “do for trade what Canary Wharf did for financial services”.
Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Ms Truss said: “There are some people who fear change and competition. They think the solution is to protect ourselves from the future. I believe this is the wrong approach.
Standards
“Britain will be on the side of the competitive freedom fighters, not the protectionists. That’s why in striking new free trade deals.
“I am prioritising free-market democracies, countries who share our values and can set global standards.
“We’re not talking here about EU-style regulatory harmonisation but mutual recognition of other countries with high standards.”
Ms Truss also joined her Cabinet colleagues to attack Labour, claiming they want to “surrender” to the EU on trade.
And she said people around the world “believe in Britain”, adding: “Isn’t it time we believed in Britain, too?”
In a nod to previous speeches while she was Environment Secretary, Ms Truss explained how trade deals could ensure cheese tariffs are removed for British producers. And she took a swipe at Commons Speaker John Bercow, joking: “I’ve just flown round the world meeting our key allies. I’ve spent more time in an aircraft cabin than John Bercow spends looking in the mirror.”
Meanwhile, Dr Therese Coffey will today unveil a £4million plan to cut youth unemployment and tackle crime.
The Work and Pensions Secretary will promise that the Conservative Party is the “party of the worker”.
She will say: “I want to give everyone the best start in life and every chance to get not just any job, but that dream job.”
Up to £1.2million will be invested in Manchester and the West Midlands, dedicating extra time and resources to young people facing the biggest hurdles to getting a job – including care leavers and young offenders. And £2.8million will be invested in job apps to recommend the best jobs and skills training.
Ms Coffey will also attack Labour’s “hopeless” record on employment and welfare.
Employment has increased by 3.7 million since 2010. Youth unemployment has halved since 2010 with 451,000 more in work.
Income inequality is also close to its lowest in
30 years.