Prime Minister Keir Starmer has finalised a trade deal with six Gulf states, worth an estimated £3.7 billion in export opportunities, which he hailed as a 'huge win' for British businesses. The agreement, which ends four years of negotiations under four different prime ministers, is expected to benefit sectors including food, luxury cars, defence, aerospace, hospitality, and services.
The deal removes tariffs on 93% of British goods sold in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Products such as food, medical equipment, and cars will face zero tariffs, while UK services, which account for 80% of the economy, will gain guaranteed access. Gulf states have also agreed to allow UK firms to store data outside the region for the first time.
However, the agreement has drawn criticism for lacking a human rights chapter. Tom Wills of the Trade Justice Movement called the omission 'especially alarming given the severe human rights abuses across the Gulf region'. The government defended its stance, stating that political channels are the best means to address such issues. The Trade Unions Congress and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy also expressed disappointment, with the latter accusing the UK of legitimising repression.
Despite the backlash, the deal was welcomed by business groups. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) praised it as the best agricultural deal since Brexit, noting that poultry standards were protected. The British Chambers of Commerce said it would create new opportunities for firms in financial services, energy, construction, and technology. The deal is the third trade pact concluded by Starmer, following agreements with India and South Korea.
