Boris Johnson forced to cancel important Brexit trade trip to India as Covid cases surge


The Prime Minister was hoping to use the trip to help secure a free trade deal with New Delhi.

Mr Johnson was originally due to travel to India in January but was forced to postpone his trip due to the second wave of Covid engulfing the UK.

The visit was rescheduled for April 25 to 28 but pressure has been growing on Downing Street over the last fortnight to cancel the plans after cases of coronavirus skyrocketed in India.

Last week No10 said the trip would be scaled back in response to the rising infections, with most of Mr Johnson’s engagements taking place over one day instead of four.

However, with the situation deteriorating rapidly, it was announced this morning the entire trip has been suspended.

In a joint statement, the UK and Indian Governments said: “In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week.

“Instead, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will speak later this month to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India.

“They will remain in regular contact beyond this, and look forward to meeting in person later this year.”

More to follow…



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