Return to Europe. The call to Great Britain rebuild its link with the European Unionwith whom he divorced with Brexit, came from the hand of two opposite and influential figures these days.
The governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Balley, used the pompous and influential meal of Mansion House on Thursday night, at the home of the mayor of the City of London, to do it before the financiers.
The other was former French socialist president and current deputy, Francois Hollande at King’s College London. He urged Labor Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to convert into a “European leader” and “help the continent” manage Donald Trump’s presidency.
The UK must rebuild its relations with the EU was the conclusion. The governor of the Bank of England, who is the strongest monetary figure in the kingdom, called on the government to strengthen its ties because Brexit has “weighed” on the economy.
Sir Keir Starmer to become a “European leader”, Hollande said. Photo: AP
“Britain must rebuild a closer trade relationship with the European Union”said the governor of the Bank of England, warning that Brexit has damaged exports of goods to the continent.
The consequences of Brexit
In a speech to senior figures in the City of London, Andrew Bailey said that while it was not the Bank’s job to take a “position” on Brexit, it was his job to “point out the consequences.”
His comments will be welcomed by Downing Street, which has made negotiating a closer trading relationship a priority of the new government. In particular, Sir Keir Starmer wants to use a review of the existing post-Brexit trade deal to reduce controls on goods crossing the Channel and allow UK professional qualifications to be recognized in the EU. But “touching” Brexit is still a sensitive issue for a British government.
Andrew Bailey, speaking to leading figures in the City of London. Photo: Bloomberg
“As a public official, I do not take any position on Brexit per se“, said. “But I have to point out the consequences. The impact on trade appears to be more in goods than services. But it underscores why we must be alert and welcome opportunities to rebuild relationships. respecting the decision of the British people“, assured the governor of the Bank of England before the most powerful bankers and financiers of the City, in a Gallic version.
The impact of Trump’s war
Bailey said the UK too faced headwinds of the “broader fragmentation of the global economy.” A comment that should be read in the context of Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential elections.
Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 20 percent on imports, including those from the United Kingdom, and up to 60 percent on those from China. Some economists fear this could trigger a global trade war.
Sir Keir Starmer will probably, after Trump’s victory, push for secure a limited trade agreement with the US focused on areas of common interest, such as digital services and technology. Ministers do not believe a full trade deal is possible, given differences between Britain and the US in areas such as agriculture and health.
The potential trade war comes as Britain’s top trade negotiator leaves his post after his contract was not extended. Crawford Falconer, The second permanent secretary at the Department of Business and Trade, has been Britain’s chief trade negotiator since 2017, but will leave next month.
Falconer will not be replaced directly and will be given to younger officials responsibility for overseeing Britain’s trade negotiations in the future.
Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary (in opposition), said: “It is astonishing that at this crucial time after the US election, the government has dispensed with the services of its chief trade negotiator, an independent civil servant, with direct experience in negotiations on the other side of the Atlantic. It’s like retiring your opening batsman on the first day of a test match,” he said, referring to cricket, Britain’s national sport.
A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “We would like to thank Crawford for his commitment to overseeing UK trade policy and negotiations over many years. Their work has ensured that the UK has built up the experience and knowledge necessary to succeed on the world stage as a newly independent trading nation. “We look forward to delivering an ambitious trade agenda that will drive growth and give British businesses access to some of the world’s most exciting economies.”
Hollande calls to become European again
Former French socialist president François Hollande traveled to London with a message, in his speech at the prestigious King College in London.
Before quickly turning around so he could attend the France-Israel football match as former head of state, Hollande said the UK could not rely on its “special relationship with the US”. during the next administration
He urged Sir Keir Starmer to become a “European leader” and help the continent manage a Donald Trump presidency.
Hollande, Macron and Sarkozy at the soccer match between France and Israel. Photo: Reuters
In a speech after an event at King’s College London, Hollande said: “Today, The European Union needs the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom needs the European Union to respond to Trump’s offensive and find solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.”
“Keir Starmer needs to position himself as a European leader, even if he is not in the European Union. This is what you should sell to the British public” stated the former French president.
Hollande came to power in 2012, his socialist party rebelled against his program and ended his mandate discredited and betrayed by his pupil, the current president Emmanuel Macron.
Hollande, now a member of the French parliament and considering a second presidential bid, described the relationship between the United Kingdom and Europe as “very important” to handle the geopolitical challenge of American isolationism.
During your tenure from 2012 to 2017, Hollande enjoyed a generally close bond with Barack Obama. But the Anglo-French relationship with David Cameron soured when Britain offered the richest French the chance to live in the kingdom and pay less.
“Trump only understands relationships of force”
“The Starmer government should reach a détente with the EU after years of fracturing over Brexit,” Hollande said. He called on the prime minister to “show Europeans that he is a partner again.”
“Starmer is in a favorable position. “One where you need to capitalize on the benefits, not just for the UK but for the benefit of Europe,” he said.
“This result demands a proportionate response,” he added. “Trump only understands relationships based on force,” explained the former French head of state.
In 2017, Hollande accused Trump of putting “unacceptable pressure” on Europe with his comments on NATO and defense.
However, in Hollande’s view, the United Kingdom cannot rely on its special relationship during the next administration. Hollande criticized the president-elect for act “without limits, without restrictions, without worrying about the West.” He said his victory was “a turning point for Europe and the democratic values we share.”
Elon Musk and Trump, an explosive bond
Hollande remains critical of the president-elect and his inner circle. He warned that social media “amplifies individualism” and was exploited by populists, in a reference to Elon Musk.
Businessman Elon Musk during an event at Madison Square Garden. Photo: EFE
Hollande described the danger of Musk’s influence and joked that it wasn’t clear who was really in charge. But he predicted a major contradiction between the richest man in the world and the most powerful.
“Musk has already invested a lot in electing Trump. In exchange, you have to pay him. Pay for it with an official position in the government, for lucrative contracts since he has a company and also for the policies that Trump will implement in Europe and China,” he said.
“However, there are contradictions. The first is that Trump is himself a shareholder in NASA’s purchases of Musk’s rockets, so a conflict of interest will quickly arise. Second, Trump’s protectionist measures they will inevitably turn against Elon Musk. There will be sanctions or restrictions on Musk’s economic activities,” Hollande analyzed.
“Third, Musk maintains close relations with China. So I think that, once the time comes to act, what worked in this US election – that is, the Musk-Trump pairing –it will become much more difficultl,” Hollande predicted in London.
The EU prepares to confront Trump and needs Britainwith a probable scenario of early elections in France and Francois Hollande as the candidate.
