So if the UK Government wanted to reassure people about what would be in a trade deal with the US there are things they could do / have done - publish a trade strategy, a clear mandate including red lines, commit to transparency.
None of which has happened. Why?
None of which has happened. Why?
In the first place both with Brexit and trade deals Government does not want to admit that there are winners and losers, that you have to make concessions to get what you want. I cannot think of one time a Minister has said this basic truth 2/
For trade deals there is a particular double game going on - Government wants people to think these are amazingly good - who can argue with free trade? - and not admit that they involve a lot of haggling, in sensitive areas, for marginal economic gains 3/
Generally in trade we've always significantly liberalised the things that were non-controversial, like industrial tariffs. What we're left with is difficult stuff - farming, public services, regulations. Hence why modern trade deals aren't easy 4/
And then particularly with the US the UK government will know that unless we make difficult concessions in some areas like food safety, regulations, NHS (exact list can be haggled over) no trade deal - and will already be preparing to try to prove e.g. that US food is safe 5/
Government hasn't published any serious overall statement of trade policy since the referendum, and no rationale for individual trade deals, but at the same time wants everyone to believe it will all be fine. It is fair not to believe them - that's past decisions catching up 6/
It would also help if Government was actually open to serious discussion of trade policy matters with those with experience, rather than treating many of us as the sworn enemy. Rather than listening to a chosen few deemed Brexit-reliable... 7/
Though it isn't just awkward experts and NGOs who have been telling Government for some time to be transparent on trade policy. So have business - on whose behalf trade deals are negotiated. They don't want the impression of secret damaging trade deals either 8/
All of which is to say if the Government feels defensive about allegations of issues with a US trade deal - tough, brought it on themselves. And Ministers denials have no value, as we've seen in negotiations. We, and they, need proper strategy, scrutiny, and process. 9/ end
PS see here for largely meaningless waffle about a trade agreement. I'd love to sell more cars to the US - but in case she hadn't noticed the US is threatening to raise tariffs on all imported cars... thesun.co.uk/news/10253645/…
