UK Trade Policy Review Explained: Post-Brexit Strategy, Growth, and Economic Security

This episode examines a new independent review of UK trade policy conducted by the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy, UK Trade Policy Observatory and Frontier Economics. Moving beyond description, the discussion focuses on how and why UK trade policy is evolving in a post-Brexit environment shaped by geopolitical fragmentation, economic security concerns, and competing domestic priorities.Moderated by Javier Gutierrez, Counsellor, External Relations, WTO, the conversation brings together Michael Gasiorek, Director, UKTPO and CITP and Amar Breckenridge, Senior Associate, Frontier Economics, to unpack the methodology, findings, and implications of the review.Key TakeawaysUK trade policy remains anchored in multilateral principles but is increasingly constrained by global geopolitical shifts.Economic security is now a dominant policy driver, often in tension with growth and efficiency.There is a clear gap between stated policy goals and implementation, particularly on sustainability and inclusiveness.Greater transparency, stakeholder engagement, and policy evaluation are needed to improve effectiveness.The current global environment challenges the assumptions underpinning traditional UK trade strategy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trade Policy Review02:38 The Importance of Transparency in Trade Policy05:05 UK's Independent Trade Policy Post-Brexit08:06 Engaging Stakeholders in Trade Policy10:24 Insights from the Citizens' Jury13:09 Mismatch Between Government and Public Priorities15:39 Economic Security vs. Growth18:17 Sustainability and Inclusivity in Trade Policy20:11 Key Findings of the Trade Policy Review23:32 Economic Security and Digital Transformation27:55 Sustainability and Inclusion Challenges32:14 The Role of Middle Powers in Trade34:25 Replicability of the Trade Policy Review Model39:01 Final Thoughts on Trade Policy ChallengesResources MentionedUK Trade Policy ReviewWTO Trade Policy Review mechanismCITP’s Animation on Improving UK Trade PolicyFollow us on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@TKENews⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠Trade Knowledge Exchange ⁠⁠⁠Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠Please, rate, review, share and subscribe to our podcast.