Post-Brexit deals put forward

BRITAIN will not be able to enact post-Brexit free trade deals with countries like the US until proposed temporary customs arrangements with the European Union end, David Davis has admitted.

The Brexit Secretary published plans for a time-limited transition period to ensure businesses only have to adapt once to rule changes on the import and export of goods.

The “future partnership paper” also contained two potential options for a long-term deals. One would see Britain “mirroring” Brussels tariffs for goods that will eventually enter David Davis the EU to avoid the need for a UK-EU customs border. Alternatively, a “streamlined” approach would see the UK negotiate agreements with the EU to reduce trade barriers and harness technology to avoid long queues at ports. But European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said “invisible borders” are a “fantasy”.

Mr Davis admitted that, during this period, which he said would last “something like two years”, the UK will not be able to do business under new free trade agreements with countries such as the US or Australia.

He also refused to rule out paying for the temporary deal, while officials admitted the European Court of Justice’s role in enforcing customs union rules during the period would be subject to negotiations.