New trade deals struck by the Government are set to benefit York and North Yorkshire by lowering food prices, expanding consumer choice, and boosting the local economy, Kier Starmer has said.
The Prime Minister said deals with India, the US and EU would also offer those employed in manufacturing, who make up 9% of the regions workforce, greater stability.
Mayor David Skaith said these deals had pushed through the red tape that had previously seen opportunities wasted for the region.
However, Conservative opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, said the Labour Government was dragging Britain back to closer ties with the EU after capitulating to US tariffs.
The news follows Mr Skaith meeting with the Prime Minister today (Friday 23 May), to discuss the deals among other mayors at a Council of Nations and Regions meeting.
The Government has said that deals with India and the US, which include scrapping a 25 per cent tariff on steel with the latter, will support more than 1,500 North Yorkshire businesses employing 43,000 people.
It added that 31,000 people employed in agriculture in North Yorkshire would also benefit from goods having greater market access with the EU.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s talks, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deals would create opportunities for more seamless trade, and attract inward investment that would grow local economies.
He said, “These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across York and North Yorkshire.”
Mr Skaith said the deals would also give the region the confidence to compete on the world stage again.
The mayor said, “I’ve heard directly from farmers, manufacturers, and exporters all raising the same concern, exporting has become a minefield of red tape, leaving food to rot and opportunities wasted.
“Our region is home to world-class food manufacturers who have been stifled by that red tape.
“This deal unlocks so much potential for York and North Yorkshire businesses to export with certainty.”
Conservative leader Ms Badenoch argues this, and said that the deal signed with the EU marked a retreat for Britain, stating, “Starmer never accepted Brexit.”
She added, “Now, instead of taking Britain forward, he’s signed a deal that takes us back into Brussels’ legal and regulatory orbit.
“Instead of building an independent future, Starmer is rehashing the Brexit fights of the past and giving Brussels the upper hand.”