We would remain bound by the EU’s protectionist tariff structure, and have our trade agreements determined by institutions on which we were not represented.
He also insists that the Government is pursuing the “same strategic policy” over Brexit as it was before the election.
The absence of a comprehensive agreement would not be apocalyptic, but it would involve many complexities.
A joint response to our series on WTO by a former Director-General of that organisation and a former Australian Ambassador to it – via Policy Exchange.
There are practical ways to retain our share of the benefits of the EU’s existing arrangements for trade with other countries.
There are some risks to trade, but they should be rationalised and addressed rather than overhyped.
Hammering out a “Son of CAP” has its challenges, but they are more technical than political – and can be resolved.
The absence of tariffs comes last, not first. They are the end-point of a successful negotiation, not its starting-point. They are the icing on the cake.
Unless either the UK or the EU want a trade war, its most likely consequence would be making use of a mass of small deals to achieve sizeable gains.
I truly believe that this election will finally banish the tribal, class-driven polarisation of workers versus bosses. That rhetoric will be firmly placed in the dustbin of history.
Perhaps the reason why the Conservatives are marginalising them is that the former are shaping an electoral coalition big enough to include Leavers and Remainers.
It wouldn’t take much to bring our ports to a grinding halt. Here’s how we can plan ahead to secure smooth-running free trade as we leave the EU.
It is incumbent on all of us who have participated in the EU debate, on both sides, to confess to some sins and omissions.
His Mansion House speech offered an opportunity to shift the tone of Brexit policy towards openness, liberalism, free trade and responsible capitalism.