Trade expert suggests UK go for 'BIGGER RUPTURE' from EU to reap full Brexit benefits

Press quote (The Express)
Sam Lowe
29 March 2018

Brexit Britain could seek a "bigger rupture" from the European Union's trading system in order to reap the full benefits of being able to do business independently, Sam Lowe, a research fellow at the Centre for European Reform said.

Mr Lowe suggested Britain will need to decide whether to remain under the orbit of the EU trade system or embrace the independence granted by to strike new trade agreements.

The trade expert also said the UK would need to seek a "bigger rupture" from the to strengthen chances for deals with countries such as the US.

He suggested: "We’ve got this trade agreement with the US, potentially, and to get it we had to concede on chickens that have been dipped in chlorine or beef that has been ground with hormones.

"The issue here is that this is going to be an aggressive demand of the US. If we want a trade agreement with them we’re going to have to do it and concede. However, it also means we need to a have a much bigger rupture with the European Union."

The British Government made the a key part of its post-Brexit strategy – with International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox repeatedly travelling to meet his US counterparts to set out a huge new deal with the vital market. 

Mr Lowe however warned that severing all ties with Brussels could cost Britain higher duties in the longer term despite the benefits of an international trade deal with the US.

Talking to , he continued: "Essentially you’ve got two power blocs in the world when it comes to regulation: you’ve got the EU and you’ve got the US. Then on the rise you’ve got China – it might be one day, it’s not there yet.

"But actually when you look at who is the regulatory superpower of the world, it’s the European Union.