Redwood Calls for Britain to Join North American Free Trade Agreement

John Redwood, head of the Tories' parliamentary campaigns unit, has suggested that a future Conservative government should push for British entry to the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), despite the risk of a legal battle with the European Union. Redwood argues that joining unilaterally would violate EU rules, but any attempt by Brussels to stop Britain joining would be against World Trade Organisation rules, creating an interesting conflict with international law. He believes that the EU would ultimately agree to Britain joining Nafta on its own, given the economic benefits of a larger market.

Key Takeaways:

• John Redwood, head of the Tories' parliamentary campaigns unit, has called for Britain to join the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) despite potential legal challenges from the European Union.
• Redwood argues that the EU would be violating World Trade Organisation rules if it tried to stop Britain from joining Nafta, creating a conflict with international law.
• Redwood believes the EU would ultimately agree to Britain joining Nafta due to economic benefits.
• Redwood claims the idea of Europe joining Nafta was originally proposed by him to John Major and Malcolm Rifkind towards the end of the last Conservative government, and has continued as party policy.
• William Hague is also reportedly enthusiastic about the idea, suggesting it is a bipartisan issue within the Conservative Party.
• Redwood's proposal is likely to violate EU rules and could lead to Britain being expelled from the EU if implemented unilaterally.

Statistics:

• The European Union sells the UK an awful lot more goods and services than the UK sells to the EU, suggesting a significant economic imbalance.
• The UK is the second largest paymaster of the EU, implying a significant financial contribution.
• World Trade Organisation rules may come into conflict with EU rules if Britain joins Nafta without EU approval.
• Joel Redwood has proposed this idea before, suggesting consistency in his views over time.

Sources:

• The Times, 2000 (copyrighted)