Bid for US trade deal ‘would be pointless’

A NOBEL Prize-winning economist has warned it would be “a waste of time” for the UK to seek a trade deal with the US under President Donald Trump.

Joseph Stiglitz said Mr Trump had “thrown a hand grenade” into international trade relationships by putting the future of the North American Nafta free trade deal in doubt and saying he will renegotiate World Trade Organisation rules.

The Columbia University professor said the UK economy had done “better than many people thought” in the wake of last year’s Brexit vote, but warned that there was a “real risk” in the medium term of the country becoming less attractive for companies to do business in.

Prof Stiglitz was asked by BBC Radio 4’s programme whether Britain was right to place its hopes on a swift trade deal with the Trump administration after Brexit. He replied: “No, I think it would probably be a waste of time to begin negotiations with him.

“If you look at what he has been putting forward as a negotiating position in the Nafta discussions, you get a feeling of how much of a waste of a time it would be.

“He’s proposed that Nafta be a five-year agreement. Businesses can’t move forward with the confidence that there’s going to be another agreement in another five years.”

Prof Stiglitz said Mr Trump indulged in “braggadocio” about his skill as a negotiator, but that Britain should bear in mind the likelihood of him being able to win support in Congress for any deal which he strikes, particularly if the Democrats take control. HUNDREDS OF mourners, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, gathered for the funeral of Welsh Assembly member Carl Sargeant, inset.

The 49-year-old was found hanged at his home in Connah’s Quay, North Wales, on November 7, four days after being removed from his role as cabinet secretary for communities and children.

Friends, family and colleagues began to gather at St Mark’s Church in his hometown from 9am yesterday, ahead of the funeral at noon.

Many stood outside for the service, described as a “celebration” of the politician’s life, as the church was full.

Mr Sargeant’s relatives, including his wife Bernie and children Lucy and Jack, wore bright colours and took