Post-Brexit deal with India could be derailed over Braverman’s ‘disrespectful’ migrant comments
Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s claim that Indian migrants are the largest group who “overstay” their welcome in the UK could derail Britain’s post-Brexit trade deal with New Delhi.
Indian ministers are said to be furious with her remarks as the agreement is reportedly “on the verge of collapse”.
She aired concerns about the deal last week because it might increase migration, telling the Spectator “the largest group of people who overstay are Indian migrants”.
A source in Delhi gold the Times they were “shocked and disappointed” by the remarks, branding them disrespectful, while a government source said it had set the relationship a “step back”.
“There’s still a lot of goodwill but if certain individuals are still embedded in the government it will paralyse the talks”.
A Department for International Trade spokesperson told City A.M “We have a close, positive working relationship with India and a thriving trade partnership worth £24 billion in 2021.
“We continue to seek improvements to our current trading relationship. This is why we are negotiating a high-ambition Free Trade Agreement.
“We remain clear we won’t sacrifice quality for speed, and will only sign when we have a deal that meets both countries’ interests.”
The Indian High Commission in London has been asked for comment.