UK 'Buy British' Campaign Seen as Shift Towards Protectionism Amid Global Trade Turmoil

The UK government's new approach to procurement, emphasizing 'Buy British', has been met with skepticism. However, a closer examination of the global economic landscape reveals that this strategy may not be as misguided as it seems.

With China curbing imports and the US adopting a mercantilist stance, the world's middle powers are being forced to reevaluate their trade relationships. Mark Carney, former Bank of England Governor, notes that middle power countries like Canada and the UK must develop greater strategic autonomy in critical areas.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) provides provisions for developing economies to support infant industry capacity, which may justify the UK's focus on sovereign economics.