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A quick analysis of the public consultation on a potential FTA with the US - without a lot more effort at identifying UK offensive interests there isn't going to be enough here to withstand the inevitable criticisms... 1/ assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
Most common theme of the document - don't prevent EU alignment. For example in terms of food, data, standards, regulations, GIs. The US probably won't negotiate on this basis, but let's say they would, what are we asking for? 2/
The US aren't usually generous with what they offer in an FTA. Our asks include reduced tariffs (unlikely 100%, Trump a 'tariff man'), financial services cooperation (never in US FTAs), visas (rarely), recognise qualifications, procurement (difficult as mainly state issues) 3/
It doesn't mean we can gain nothing from this and other FTAs. But that we need the next level of detail, think about more specific barriers, and how these link to industrial strategy. A lot of this work will need to be done by business currently tied up with no-deal planning 4/
It's also a reminder of why free trade agreements are hard work - you have to get to real detail and then negotiate, and make concessions. And why some things are best done outside (financial services cooperation most obviously). 5/
My own feeling is that we're not ready for FTA negotiations, not least with the US, as there's insignificant focus on the UK's future beyond October 31. There's still huge amounts of work to be done (and see below from March). 6/ end ecipe.org/blog/the-next-…
