Former British Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss on Saturday called for sweeping reforms in the United Kingdom, including tackling issues within the country’s powerful bureaucracy and fostering a movement similar to the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) campaign in the United States.
Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit 2024, Truss said the UK needed a “British Trump” to bring about transformative change and addressed various geopolitical and domestic issues.
‘A British Trump’ and bureaucratic reforms
Truss, who served as the UK’s prime minister for 49 days in 2022, said, “Frankly, I think we need a British Trump. The question is who that individual might be.” She highlighted the need for reforms to reduce bureaucratic resistance, particularly in forging trade deals with India and the US. She argued that entrenched bureaucratic interests were holding the UK back by keeping it tethered to European regulations.
“So what I am interested in is how we can create a movement, like the MAGA or Tea Party movements in the US, that leads to significant change,” Truss said. However, when asked if she would take up such a role, she responded humorously, “I have already put my fingers in the fire and had them severely burnt.”
India’s role in global geopolitics
Truss emphasised India’s growing importance on the world stage, describing it as the “world’s largest democracy” with a “huge leadership role to play in the future of geopolitics.” She expressed optimism about the potential for a stronger India-UK relationship and hoped that the two countries would finalise a free-trade agreement.
“This is absolutely a relationship of equals. Both sides will need to make concessions to get the deal done, but the opportunities in technology, defence, and agriculture are immense,” Truss said. She also praised India’s role in the Quad alliance alongside the US, UK, and Japan, especially in countering the growing influence of China.
Praise for Modi and India’s economic reforms
Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic third term in office, Truss called it a “massive achievement,” especially in a global environment where incumbent governments have struggled to retain power. “It is a testament to the economic reforms taking place in India, and it shows people believe the country is heading in the right direction,” she added.
Critical view of Europe’s economic stagnation
Truss was critical of Europe’s economic trajectory, lamenting that “our continent is sinking.” She cited the UK’s GDP per capita as lagging behind the US and advocated for the UK to fully sever its ties with EU regulations to foster growth and innovation.
She predicted that dissatisfaction with economic stagnation in countries like France and Germany would lead to major political changes across Europe within the next decade. “The Trump revolution we are seeing in the US is coming to Europe,” Truss remarked.
Trump’s return to the White House
Praising US President-elect Donald Trump, who recently won a second term, Truss said his leadership marked a “revival of US strengths.” She predicted that Trump’s policies and the growing dissatisfaction with left-wing establishments would inspire similar changes in the UK and Europe.
Global power shifts
Addressing the shifting global power dynamics, Truss expressed concern over the rise of authoritarian regimes, citing Iran, Russia, and China as examples. However, she distinguished India from these powers, describing it as a democracy committed to the rule of law and free speech.
“I would distinguish though between India and China. India is a democracy, India wants to see the rule of law protected and free speech,” Truss said.
Looking ahead
As the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit path, Truss underscored the importance of embracing bold reforms and building stronger international partnerships, particularly with India and the US. “With the Trump presidency, there is an opportunity to reshape how international relations work,” she said, highlighting India’s potential to play a pivotal role in global debates.