I recollect the UK argument against it being that it would lead to higher steel prices

which would hit businesses who use steel.

ie, we'd be protecting one part of the economy (steel producers) at the expense of another part of the economy (steel consumers) and that in the round cheaper steel was of greater economic benefit to UK Plc.

What has wiped out the mass-production shoe industry in the UK is consumer apathy and dislike of paying high prices. If people only want to pay ?50 for a pair of shoes then it's going to have to be made overseas. If they're willing to pay for ?100 shoes then British shoes are still available to buy (and offer better long-term value anyway).

Posted By: CWC, Apr 29, 14:32:08