As the UK edges closer to signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), concerns are mounting over the deal’s implications for human rights, climate action, and economic priorities. Public opinion stands against the agreement, with only 21% of UK citizens supporting the talks, citing the GCC’s troubling human rights record and poor climate commitments.
The proposed deal risks undermining the UK’s climate goals, offering negligible economic benefits while reinforcing exploitative labour practices prevalent in the GCC. With projected GDP gains of just 0.06–0.11% by 2035, the trade deal falls far short of delivering meaningful economic growth.
This is a critical moment for the UK to define its global trade strategy. A GCC deal, with its lack of robust social, environmental, and human rights provisions, would set a troubling precedent. Instead, the UK must align its trade policies with its values, prioritising climate action and human rights on the global stage.
Read our latest policy brief to explore why the UK should pause negotiations and rethink its trade priorities.
