New trade partnership with Mexico a win-win relationship, says Raab

A new partnership with Mexico could be a “win-win relationship” for the UK, Dominic Raab has claimed, saying he is “determined to seize the global opportunities beyond Europe” after Brexit.

The Foreign Secretary will launch a new partnership with Mexico on Thursday aimed at boosting economic growth in the United Kingdom and in Mexico.

The agreement, to be signed during the Foreign Secretary’s first official visit to Mexico City, will encourage greater political co-operation including on climate change.

It also promotes greater investment and trade in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, energy, financial services, health, education and green fiance and technology.

Mr Raab said: “The new partnership that we’re launching today is an important part of our Global Britain strategy.

“The UK is excited to be working with our Mexican friends to develop a win-win relationship. There are huge opportunities to boost two-way trade, create jobs, tackle poverty and inequality, and address key Mexican priorities such as strengthening transparency and reducing corruption.”

Mr Raab said President Donald Trump indicated a “huge appetite” for signing a free trade deal with Britain once it has left the EU.

He said Mr Trump had been “effusive in his warmth” towards Britain and had expressed his “high regard” for Boris Johnson as Prime Minister.

At a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington DC, Mr Raab said he hopes to remain “good neighbours” with the EU, but said he is “determined to seize the global opportunities beyond Europe”.

Mr Raab said: “On defence, security and intelligence our countries trust each other more deeply. We work together more closely than any others.”

Mr Raab added: “We will stay good friends, good neighbours, with our European partners. But we are at the same time determined to seize the global opportunities beyond Europe for the United Kingdom.”

Mr Pompeo said: “We support the United Kingdom’s sovereign choice, however Brexit ultimately shakes up, and we will be on the doorstep hand in hand ready to sign a new free trade agreement at the earliest possible time.”

There are, however, fears over the potential impact of no-deal Brexit, with the Guardian reporting a cross-party group of “rebel MPs” are planning to stop a no-deal Brexit by forcing Parliament to sit through the autumn recess.

According to the Guardian, there is “growing outrage” over the influence of Boris Johnson’s aide Dominic Cummings.

On Wednesday, shadow chancellor John McDonnell also raised concerns about the UK’s leadership, saying Labour would insist on Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister if Boris Johnson lost a vote of no confidence.

Speaking at an event at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mr McDonnell said if the Prime Minister refused to step down should he lose a confidence vote, Labour would call on the Queen appoint Mr Corbyn instead.

He said: “I don’t want to drag the Queen into this but I would be sending Jeremy Corbyn in a cab to Buckingham Palace to say we’re taking over.”