Government might be losing the Brexit spin battle, but it's triumphing on substance
By
Fraser Nelson
21 July 2017 • 6:00am
Strictly speaking, Britain is not allowed to hold trade talks with anyone until we have left the European Union. But no one in London or Washington wants to wait that long so, on Monday, talks to establish a free-trade agreement will begin.
It’s a fairly historic moment: Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative, will meet Liam Fox to discuss what American officials describe as “ways to strengthen trade and commercial ties”. To have this happen so soon is more than any Brexiteer dared predict. Rather than be at the back of the queue, as Barack Obama had rather absurdly threatened, Britain is sneaking to the front
This fits a trend. Brazil is keen to start talks with Britain, as are Australia and Turkey. They might be bemused at the political mess in Westminster but they seek closer links to our economy, the fifth largest in the world.
We have a newly competitive currency, fuelling demand...
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