Today’s rise in trade deficit shows this country is falling far behind its potential under the Tories – Barry Gardiner

Barry
Gardiner MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, commenting on
today’s ONS figures, said:

“Today’s
rise in the trade deficit shows yet again that after seven years of economic
failure under the Tories, this country is falling far behind its potential.

“The
rise in the deficit with non-EU countries is particularly concerning given the
failure of this government to offer serious proposals for Britain’s trading
relationships with the rest of the world, post-Brexit. Tory fantasies about
future trade deals are meaningless without delivering the investment and
industrial strategy needed in this country for future export success.

“Only
Labour will deliver the investment and industrial strategy needed to create
good, secure jobs and build an economy that works for the many, not the few.”