The British government says the new India trade agreement does not...
Nick Timothy MP@NJ_Timothy
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May 06, 2025
~1 min read
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The British government says the new India trade agreement does not change immigration policy.
But that’s not what the Indian government says.
A quick thread (1/n).
But that’s not what the Indian government says.
A quick thread (1/n).
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India’s Prime Minister has boasted that this new deal will deliver a Double Contribution Convention - meaning Indian workers in Britain pay less tax than Brits.
The consequences for our labour market could be huge.
The consequences for our labour market could be huge.
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon.
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In a press release, the Indian government is clear about what this means.
They call it a “huge win” that will provide a three-year National Insurance Contributions exemption for Indian workers and their employers in the UK. pib.gov.in/PressReleseDet…
They call it a “huge win” that will provide a three-year National Insurance Contributions exemption for Indian workers and their employers in the UK. pib.gov.in/PressReleseDet…
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Don’t let the Government fool you by downplaying these changes.
Indian officials say this is an “unprecedented achievement” that will “make Indian service providers significantly more competitive in the UK.”
Indian officials say this is an “unprecedented achievement” that will “make Indian service providers significantly more competitive in the UK.”
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While our government stays silent, the Indian government says the deal “eases mobility” for intra-corporate transferees as well as their partners and dependant children, and people like yoga instructors, musicians and chefs.
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These changes will create a massive incentive for UK firms to work with Indian service providers, undercutting domestic workers, companies and contractors.
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The Convention puts India in the same column as the EU, US, Canada, and New Zealand, which have deep and extensive connections with our labour market, smaller populations and comparable salaries and living standards. gov.uk/government/pub…
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And yet the economic benefit will just be 0.1% additional GDP growth for us.
In other words no meaningful per capita gain at all.
Yet again the benefit of the immigration will go to the immigrant and the cost will fall to the British public. gov.uk/government/pub…
In other words no meaningful per capita gain at all.
Yet again the benefit of the immigration will go to the immigrant and the cost will fall to the British public. gov.uk/government/pub…
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Ministers claim that they have “ensured the points-based immigration system is not affected” but this is as meaningful as it is misleading.
They are conning you, yet again. gov.uk/government/new…
They are conning you, yet again. gov.uk/government/new…