UK fails to close global trade deals ahead of Brexit deadline

Sam Lowe, a trade expert at the Centre for European Reform, said that while Britain is unable to formally sign new trade deals until Brexit occurs, the government should have been prepared to reach agreements almost immediately after leaving the EU. “This revelation flies in the face of assurances given by ministers that these deals would be ready by now,” said Mr Lowe. “It demonstrates that a no-deal Brexit would not just affect Britain’s relations with the EU but its relations with the rest of the world.”