The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has announced the former Minister for Trade and Minister for Europe, Lord Francis Maude, as keynote speaker at this year’s WSTA Annual Conference.

Lord Francis Maude has been announced as keynote speaker at this year’s WSTA Annual Conference

After resigning from his post as Minister for Trade and Investment in February 2016, Lord Maude of Horsham brings first-hand experience on how the government will tackle new trading arrangements following Brexit.

In his previous post, Lord Maude sat in the Trade Ministers Council and was involved in international trade negotiations, especially transatlantic trade.

The WSTA has chosen ‘Brexit and the changing shape of the industry’ as its theme, following the UK’s referendum vote to exit the EU.

Lord Maude said: “I hope my talk will provide practical insights for one of the UK’s most successful industries, including about what to expect next following the UK vote to leave the EU.

“I have lived and breathed European and international trade matters for nearly three decades. I negotiated the early single market measures, was Margaret Thatcher’s Minister for Europe and was deeply involved in the Maastricht negotiations. More recently I was at the heart of the Conservative Party’s thinking on European policy as Shadow Chancellor, Shadow Foreign Secretary and Party Chairman.

“My aim will be to offer my views on how Theresa May’s government is likely to approach Brexit and how the UK government’s approach will be received; as well as to draw out some lessons from some of my own experiences in international and single market trade discussions.

“The UK wine and spirit industry deserves its leading place in the global market and is vital to this country’s economic prospects. I hope to cast some light during what are uncertain times for WSTA members and British businesses more generally, especially ones trading with the rest of the world.”

WSTA chief executive Miles Beale added: “For a genuinely global industry like wine and spirits, Brexit will have seismic and game-changing effect on our trade and the WSTA’s agenda. Our aim is to provide members with as much informed comment during such uncertain times.

“Lord Maude will have a fascinating, insightful view on how the future of our industry – and our country – is likely to look outside the EU. We are very lucky to have him speak to us and I am greatly looking forward to hearing his views. They will influence what the WSTA does next.”

This year’s WSTA Annual Conference will take place on 13 September at The Royal Institution of Great Britain.