I notice a new phrase around from the Conservatives - free trade not political alignment. It's that misleading 'free' word again. The truth - trade barriers rather than political alignment.
After three and a half years still the pretence we can have everything we want from the EU relationship (unfettered trade) without that we don't (sharing decision making with other countries).
Still not possible.
Still not possible.
A Free Trade Agreement is an agreement to reduce some trade barriers. But unless it includes regulatory alignment, movement of people, full freedom to provide services - it isn't full free trade.
What are the barriers to trade that the UK is going to establish which the EU will want to reduce in a trade deal? A tariff on cars. Work permit restrictions. What else?
If you want to get good deals think about what the other party wants. Do they want free trade without political alignment?
Clue: None of the big powers in trade policy want unfettered free trade.
Clue: None of the big powers in trade policy want unfettered free trade.
The EU trade agreement could also include access to UK fishing waters. A reminder of content, and also why these things can take years to conclude
