Media aware pressure groups and old-fashioned protectionists stand together shoulder to shoulder. Clearly we need to do far more to make the case for open trade. So that our people can realise the opportunities and benefits that globalisation has to offer. We must do this because in a democracy we will not be able to embrace globalisation if too many individuals and organisations feel they are being left behind. I believe that with the right international structures in place and working effectively then globalisation can be a bringer of opportunity and not a threat.
Open trade boosts economic growth.
It provides greater opportunities and improved standards of living for millions rather than privileges for a few. Let us be clear, protectionism anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. Closing off national economies only increases national and international instability. We must never forget that the path of open trade and open capital markets that we have travelled in the last 30 or 40 years has brought unprecedented growth, greater opportunity and a better life for people across the world. Other speeches by Rt.