EU types scrutinising the UK mandate for trade talks with the US will not find evidence that Britain is ready to break loose of EU rules and go full “Singapore on Thames”.
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assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
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assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
This is relevant given the ongoing divides over EU demands for level playing field guarantees in tax, state aid, labour and environment in the UK-EU post Brexit trade deal.
UK-EU trade negotiations start today in Brussels.
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UK-EU trade negotiations start today in Brussels.
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On farming, the mandate says removal of US tariffs on UK products such as cheddar will “ include not compromising on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards.”
So hormone beef and chlorine chicken both banned by EU standards, not on the menu.
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So hormone beef and chlorine chicken both banned by EU standards, not on the menu.
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But the mandate also calls for “comprehensive access for UK industrial and agricultural goods into the US market through the reduction or elimination of tariffs”.
Surely the US will want something in return for that, especially on agriculture. So will UK hold firm?
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Surely the US will want something in return for that, especially on agriculture. So will UK hold firm?
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The mandate says the UK “will ensure parties reaffirm their commitment to international standards on the environment and labour.”
+ “Secure provisions that support and help further the Government’s ambition on climate change and achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
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+ “Secure provisions that support and help further the Government’s ambition on climate change and achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
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Brussels will note this demand in the UK mandate for US trade deal.
“Ensure parties do not waive or fail to enforce their domestic environmental or labour protections in ways that create an artificial competitive advantage.”
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“Ensure parties do not waive or fail to enforce their domestic environmental or labour protections in ways that create an artificial competitive advantage.”
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The EU argues that its level playing field guarantees are designed to prevent just such a competitive advantage for UK businesses over European ones.
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Barnier called on UK for sign of where it is headed - towards the EU's regulatory orbit or a different one.
If UK sticks to the mandate, (which also insists NHS not for sale) , Brexit Britain looking more European than US, which cd raise low expectations of a deal w/ EU
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If UK sticks to the mandate, (which also insists NHS not for sale) , Brexit Britain looking more European than US, which cd raise low expectations of a deal w/ EU
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Worth remembering UK mandate will come under pressure from US. And worth looking at these sobering figures. ENDS
And this...
And an excellent in-depth thread here:
I am reliably informed that all US trade deals have enforceable labour and environment protection provisions.. so UK is not having cake and eating it but bowing to US reality...
