British PM May says actions should match Davos words in support for free trade

DAVOS: British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday at the World Economic Forum that the international community’s actions should match its words when it comes to supporting free trade.
The meeting of the "global elite" in Davos is known for its support for free trade, with leaders ranging from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi having backed the easy flow of goods in speeches to the forum.
One notable exception however could come today, as Donald Trump — known for his protectionist stance and "America First" policy — takes to the stage in Davos.
May on Thursday struck a more nuanced tone as she said that those trumpeting free trade should back it up in practice.
"Too often our rhetoric in support of free trade here in Davos is not matched by our actions," she told the forum.
"There is much more to be done by the whole international community."
May said "important progress" had been made on global trade.
"The UK has been at the forefront of championing new trade deals, including the EU’s deals with Canada and Japan," she said.
"And as we leave the European Union, the UK will continue to be a global advocate of free trade. Pushing for progress on WTO
discussions; seeking to bring new partners to the table – and, of course, after we have left the EU, developing new bilateral deals with
countries across the world."
She noted that the World Trade Organization needs to develop standards on services and e-commerce quickly in order to keep up with
developments in the world economy.
She used the taxi service company Uber as an example of how technology is changing the nature of workplaces and leaving employees with less
predictable working patterns. May said that despite the fact that the company has revolutionized the way that people move around cities
through technology, it has raised safety issues and concerns over protection for its workers.
May said however that the solution was not to shut Uber down but to change employment laws so that workers’ vital rights are protected.
This would ensure that the flexibilities that companies like Uber offer work for everyone.
Uber was banned in London last year, although is still operating in the city as the company appeals the decision.