Due to an expansion of trade and investment flows across borders, poverty has fallen at an unprecedented rate in the last thirty years – but fears over domestic industry, not least in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, mean that the debate on the virtues of free trade remains contested. After the decision to leave the European Union, the UK is turning its attention to forging new Free Trade Agreements with partners around the world.

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, how might the fall-out of this global health emergency affect the public support for globalised trade, and reshape the UK Government’s priorities and opportunities? The British Foreign Policy Group partnered with British Expertise International for a timely discussion.

Speakers:

Dr Anna Jerzewska, Independent Trade Consultant

David Henig, UK Director, European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE)

Sophia Gaston, Director, The British Foreign Policy Group

Tom Cargill, CEO, British Expertise International (Chair)