Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch is under intense scrutiny following her bold assertion that the UK's post-Brexit trade agreements have delivered a staggering £100 billion boost to the economy. The claim, made during a high-profile speech, has been met with widespread scepticism from economic experts and opposition MPs who are demanding full transparency.
The controversy emerged after a written parliamentary question from Labour's shadow trade minister, Gareth Thomas, sought verification of the impressive figure. In a response that has fuelled further doubt, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) provided a conspicuously redacted document, citing the need to protect 'internal deliberations'.
Demands for Transparency and Evidence
The lack of published evidence has triggered accusations of the government attempting to obscure the true economic impact of its trade policies. Gareth Thomas has been particularly vocal, accusing ministers of a deliberate cover-up and challenging them to either present the full facts or retract the claim entirely.
This incident is not an isolated case. It echoes previous disputes over government trade statistics, including a notable row concerning the Australia deal, where official figures significantly undercut the government's own positive projections.
The Stakes for UK Trade Policy
The debate strikes at the heart of one of the core promises of the Brexit campaign: that leaving the EU would allow Britain to strike more favourable and economically beneficial trade deals around the world. The government's ability to provide clear, verifiable data to support its success narratives is crucial for maintaining public and parliamentary trust.
As it stands, the £100bn claim remains a point of political contention. Until the DBT releases unredacted evidence to substantiate the Business Secretary's statement, doubts over the true value of the UK's post-Brexit trade agenda are likely to persist, casting a shadow over one of the government's flagship policy achievements.
