… The UK has been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) since June 2022. The GCC is a regional bloc of six countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Upon taking office, Keir Starmer’s Labour government has chosen to continue the active trade negotiations with the GCC inherited from the previous administration, presenting a trade deal as key to unlocking economic growth. The Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has already visited the Gulf twice, and according to some reports a deal could be signed very soon.

However, entering into a trade deal with the GCC would fly in the face of public opinion, offer few projected benefits, and send a worrying message about the priorities of the UK’s trade policy when it comes to human rights and climate…