nbaschedule2012now.net – Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has long been known for his strong advocacy of global trade and the promotion of post-Brexit opportunities. As one of the most prominent figures in the Brexit movement, Johnson has consistently argued that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) presented an unparalleled opportunity for the country to reshape its economic and diplomatic future. Central to his vision was a focus on expanding the UK’s global trading relationships, forging new partnerships around the world, and capitalizing on the freedoms that Brexit afforded in the realm of trade policy, regulation, and international relations.
In this article, we explore how Boris Johnson became a champion of global trade and the opportunities that arose following the UK’s departure from the EU, examining his policies, actions, and key achievements in this area during his time as Prime Minister.
A Vision for Global Trade
1. Reclaiming Trade Sovereignty Post-Brexit
When the UK voted to leave the EU in the historic Brexit referendum of 2016, the question of what would happen to the country’s trade relationships was front and center. For Boris Johnson, one of the most compelling arguments for leaving the EU was the potential to regain control over the UK’s trade policy—something he argued had been constrained by EU membership.
As Prime Minister, Johnson was adamant that leaving the EU would allow the UK to establish its own independent trade agreements and remove the bureaucratic restrictions imposed by the EU’s Common Commercial Policy. He viewed this as an opportunity to form trade relationships with countries around the world, particularly those in fast-growing markets such as Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In his vision, post-Brexit Britain would be free to engage in more flexible, ambitious trade deals tailored to the UK’s economic interests and priorities.
2. The “Global Britain” Concept
Boris Johnson’s conception of a post-Brexit UK was encapsulated in the idea of a “Global Britain.” He frequently used this phrase to describe a UK that would take a more prominent role on the international stage by forming new trade alliances and pursuing free trade opportunities. According to Johnson, Brexit would enable the UK to establish stronger diplomatic and economic ties with non-EU countries, increasing the nation’s global influence and opening up new avenues for economic growth.
His government emphasized the idea that the UK, freed from the constraints of EU regulations and bureaucratic oversight, could become a more dynamic and outward-looking nation. Johnson sought to position the UK as a leading global economy, leveraging its expertise in key sectors like finance, technology, and green energy to foster growth and innovation.
3. Trade as a Pillar of Economic Growth
For Boris Johnson, global trade was not just about boosting the UK’s economic output—it was also about ensuring long-term prosperity for British businesses and workers. Johnson advocated for policies that would make the UK a more competitive nation by securing access to global markets, reducing trade barriers, and establishing frameworks that encouraged innovation and job creation.
By fostering an environment conducive to international trade, Johnson believed that British companies—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—would benefit from increased access to new consumers and markets abroad. This, in turn, would create jobs, raise living standards, and boost the UK economy as a whole.
Key Achievements in Global Trade
1. Securing Post-Brexit Trade Deals
One of the most important aspects of Johnson’s premiership was his success in negotiating and securing a series of new trade deals with countries across the world, particularly after the UK formally left the EU on January 31, 2020. His government worked tirelessly to establish agreements with both EU and non-EU countries, ensuring that the UK could continue to benefit from trade with both traditional and emerging markets.
Trade Deals with Global Powers
Johnson’s government succeeded in negotiating several landmark trade agreements, including trade deals with Japan, Australia, and New Zealand—three countries that were seen as vital to the UK’s post-Brexit economic strategy. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2020, was the UK’s first major post-Brexit trade deal, and it was hailed as a success in terms of reducing tariffs and securing new opportunities for British businesses in manufacturing, automotive, and agriculture.
The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, finalized in 2021, was another significant step in Johnson’s push to build stronger economic ties with key allies outside of Europe. The deal was seen as a win for British exports, particularly in sectors like wine, beef, and financial services. It also marked the UK’s first major trade agreement with a non-EU country since Brexit, underscoring Johnson’s commitment to pursuing free trade as a core element of his post-Brexit vision.
The United States and the UK’s Future Trade Relationship
While the UK did not secure a comprehensive free trade agreement with the United States under Johnson’s leadership, significant progress was made in strengthening the UK-US trade relationship. In the wake of Brexit, both nations recognized the importance of continued cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, technology, and defense. Johnson worked to ensure that the UK maintained strong diplomatic and economic ties with the US, which remained one of the UK’s most important trading partners.
2. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement
In addition to striking new deals with countries around the world, Boris Johnson’s government negotiated the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which came into effect at the end of 2020. While the deal did not provide the same level of integration that the UK had enjoyed as an EU member state, it nonetheless ensured that the UK could continue to trade with the EU on relatively favorable terms.
The TCA removed tariffs and quotas on most goods traded between the UK and the EU, which was seen as a major achievement by Johnson’s government. It also established new frameworks for fishing rights, energy cooperation, and law enforcement collaboration. Despite some challenges and teething problems, the agreement provided the UK with a foundation for its new economic relationship with the EU, enabling both sides to continue trading with minimal disruptions.
3. Building New Trade Relationships in Emerging Markets
Boris Johnson placed particular emphasis on expanding the UK’s trade footprint in emerging markets, where economic growth was anticipated to outpace that of developed economies. As part of his vision for a Global Britain, Johnson’s government worked to secure trade agreements with nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America—regions that were seen as central to the UK’s future economic success.
The UK-India trade talks were a priority for Johnson’s government, with discussions focusing on increasing trade in areas such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance. Additionally, the UK was working on developing stronger trade relations with countries in Africa, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, through both bilateral agreements and partnerships within the Commonwealth of Nations.
4. Promoting Green Trade and Sustainability
In line with his commitment to creating a more sustainable economy, Johnson also sought to incorporate green policies into the UK’s global trade strategy. His government actively pursued trade agreements that supported the transition to a green economy, with a focus on sectors like clean energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture. The UK’s participation in the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in 2021 showcased the country’s leadership on climate change, and Johnson positioned the UK as a global leader in promoting green trade and the development of environmentally friendly technologies.
The Impact of Boris Johnson’s Global Trade Vision
1. Economic Growth and Job Creation
One of the central tenets of Johnson’s global trade agenda was to boost economic growth and create jobs in the UK. By securing new trade deals, lowering barriers to international markets, and promoting investment in key industries, Johnson hoped to create a more vibrant and dynamic economy. Early indicators suggested that his strategy was paying off, with exports to countries outside the EU growing significantly in the years following Brexit.
Increased trade opportunities in emerging markets were expected to help British businesses expand into new, high-growth sectors, leading to new jobs, higher wages, and a more competitive economy.
2. Challenges and Criticisms
Despite Johnson’s ambitious trade agenda, there were challenges. Critics pointed to the economic disruptions caused by Brexit, particularly in terms of trade barriers and the impact on supply chains. The transition to a post-Brexit trade environment led to some short-term disruptions for businesses, particularly in industries like farming, fishing, and transport. Additionally, some argued that the focus on global trade was accompanied by a decline in the UK’s influence within the EU, limiting the scope for cooperation in certain sectors.
3. Legacy as a Champion of Global Trade
Boris Johnson’s legacy as a champion of global trade and post-Brexit opportunities will be defined by his efforts to reshape the UK’s economic relationships and position the country as a global economic leader. While his tenure faced challenges, Johnson’s commitment to free trade and his success in securing numerous trade deals marked a significant shift in the UK’s economic strategy, one that aimed at harnessing the power of global markets to fuel long-term prosperity.
Conclusion
Boris Johnson’s advocacy for global trade and post-Brexit opportunities was a cornerstone of his leadership as Prime Minister. His vision of a Global Britain focused on expanding the UK’s trade horizons, creating new opportunities for British businesses, and ensuring that the country could compete on the global stage. While there were challenges along the way, Johnson’s efforts to secure trade deals with countries around the world, coupled with his commitment to a more competitive and outward-looking UK, have left a lasting mark on the nation’s economic future.