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The potential disruption of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has become a focal point in the ongoing Conservative Party leadership race. Kemi Badenoch, a leading contender for the position, has asserted that she was instrumental in blocking the agreement due to India's insistence on greater migration concessions. This claim, reported by UK media outlets, has sparked controversy and elicited counterarguments from her former ministerial colleagues.
Badenoch, who served as Business Secretary under Rishi Sunak, maintains that her opposition to increased immigration was the primary reason for the stalled FTA negotiations. She has stated that India's persistent attempts to secure concessions regarding migration were unacceptable, ultimately leading to the decision to halt the deal. However, this narrative has been challenged by several of Badenoch's former colleagues, who claim that her stance on the matter was far less rigid than she suggests.
These dissenting voices argue that Badenoch was, in fact, a fervent advocate for the FTA, actively participating in multiple rounds of negotiations. They portray her as eager to secure a deal at all costs, even dismissing objections raised regarding potential immigration concerns. One former cabinet minister, speaking anonymously to the Times, accused Badenoch of prioritizing a 'trophy' deal to showcase post-Brexit benefits, even if it meant overlooking serious concerns. This perspective paints a different picture, suggesting that the reasons behind the stalled FTA negotiations were more complex than Badenoch's claims.
The disagreement over the reasons behind the FTA's stalled negotiations underscores the contentious nature of immigration policy within the Conservative Party. With immigration emerging as a key issue in the leadership campaign, Badenoch's claim has ignited a heated debate surrounding the role of migration in trade agreements and the importance of securing a robust deal with India. The Conservative Party's next leader, set to be announced on November 2, will inherit this complex issue and face the challenge of balancing economic considerations with public sentiment on immigration.