WTO chief warns UK over EU exit
Originally published by East Midlands Liberal Democrats
Roberto Azevêdo, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, has warned that Britain may risk losing influence in trade negotiations if it were to quit the EU during a hearing this morning at the European Parliament's International Trade Committee.
In response to a question from Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder, who asked what impact leaving the EU would have on the UK's place within the WTO, Mr Azevêdo stated:
"I think that's a call that the UK will have to make for itself."
"But of course, the more that a country or a member is in a position to join with others in defending a particular idea or defending a particular agenda, the easier it is to push through its interests."
Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East Midlands commented:
"UKIP and many Tories claim we can just pull out of Europe and trade using WTO rules, but now even the head of the WTO has turned round and said we are better off staying in."
"Being part of the world's largest trading bloc allows us to get a better deal for Britain and to open up new markets for our businesses overseas."
"Liberal Democrats are the party of In Europe because In is good for jobs, the economy and Britain's influence on the world stage."
A number of leading British business organisations have previously spoken out to emphasise the benefits that EU membership brings when it comes to global trade negotiations.
In a report "Our Global Future, The business vision for a reformed EU" in November 2013, the CBI stated that "the EU has helped open global markets to UK firms on terms that support its trading ambitions, through its leading role in global trade negotiations."
Meanwhile the EEF manufacturers' association has stated following a 2013 survey of its members, "Manufacturing: Our future in Europe" , that "UK manufacturers recognise the benefits a strong EU voice in global trade agreements and disputes brings to UK exporters…There is no support for the UK to tackle trade negotiations alone, not least because of the concerns that a deal with the UK would be a lower priority for countries that are currently agreeing deals on a multilateral basis."
The Scotch Whisky Association contribution to Government balance of competences review has also stressed that "the EU is vital to the industry's long term sustainability, both as an internal market and as a strong voice in international trade negotiations."
VIDEO
The full video of the Committee on International Trade hearing will be posted online here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ep-live/en/committees/