Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor, is set to lead a delegation of senior business leaders to Saudi Arabia on Monday. This visit marks the first time a UK Chancellor has traveled to the Gulf in six years. During her trip, Reeves aims to strengthen the UK’s economic relationship with Saudi Arabia and is scheduled to meet prominent Saudi royals, representatives from the US administration, and key global business figures.
The backdrop of this visit is the UK’s ongoing endeavor to negotiate a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The government anticipates that a deal with the GCC could generate an estimated £1.6 billion annually for the UK economy and contribute an additional £600 million to UK workers’ wages in the long term.
Reeves emphasized the UK’s goal of promoting growth, stating that she will advocate for the UK’s offerings such as stability and expertise, specifically targeting what is viewed as a significant trade and investment hub. The government’s strategy follows recent trade agreements with the US, EU, and India, indicating a desire to expand partnerships that create job opportunities and business investments within the UK.
However, this prospective trade deal is expected to face criticism from activist groups concerned about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. The Trades Union Congress has cautioned against entering agreements with countries that violate human rights and international law.
Reeves is aiming to finalize various investments between the UK and Saudi Arabia during this visit, ahead of the UK’s upcoming budget announcement on November 26. Currently, the UK’s trade with the Gulf is valued at approximately £59 billion annually and is considered the UK’s seventh-largest export market. This deal is projected to increase trade by about 16%, with Gulf sovereign wealth funds being significant investors in the UK.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/oct/26/rachel-reeves-saudi-arabia-trade-mission-human-rights