David Gauke: If Johnson goes for a Brexit trade deal, as he should, he should also go for a further implementation period.

Closing the transition period at the end of the year will cause even greater problems than necessary.

Iain Dale: If Milling isn’t up to being Party Chairman, why was she appointed in the first place?

Plus: virtual conferences are the way of the future. America’s vice-presidential debate worked. And: Fox deserved better from his WTO campaign.

WATCH: Fox on his withdrawal from the contest to head the WTO

“It’s been an honour to take part in the selection process, and to make arguments on critical to the future of the trading system.”

Stephen Booth: With four months left to get a Brexit deal, state aid is the major stumbling block for the UK and EU.

At the start of the summer there were reasons for optimism about an agreement. However, the mood appears to have turned.

Stephen Booth: The UK’s parallel trade negotiations are of unprecedented ambition

While working on its Brexit deal, it is simultaneously cultivating trade relationships with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Andrew Bowie: Evidence today that Ministers won’t negotiate trade deals that expose British farmers to unfair competition

I, for one, see this new Commission as further evidence that the Government will take expert advice that benefits farmers and consumers.

Roderick Crawford: Brexit is the beginning of a journey to transform Britain

As a general set of principles for the UK global aims, we would do well to turn for inspiration and leadership to Churchill and Roosevelt’s Atlantic Charter.

Roderick Crawford: Almost halfway through July, there is still no sign that a trade deal with the EU is possible – never mind probable.

For many, WTO terms are good enough for trade and the compromises required for a deal are politically unacceptable.

Stephen Booth: While UK-EU talks gather momentum, Britain should continue to diversify its trading relationships.

Deals with the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand will prepare the country for future EU-related bumps in the road.

No, Prime Minister. Overseas aid and foreign policy aren’t “one and the same”

Furthermore, the change creates a brand new cart to put before the horse – that’s to say, the awaited defence and security review.

Shanker Singham: EU-style regulation on animal welfare would be the wrong step for Britain

Some of the solutions being proposed for UK trade talks would make it a pariah state in the WTO community.

Stephen Booth: Contrary to expectations, the UK may have the upper hand as Brexit negotiations intensify

With its objective being British sovereignty, Johnson’s government can justify economic disruption better than the EU.

Stephen Booth: On the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK’s negotiating hand is stronger than people think

The formal deadline for agreeing an extension to the transition period is close, but Britain is unlikely to ask for one.

Liam Fox: The amendments that could kill free trade deals with America, developing countries and the Commonwealth this week

Take it from me that the US would walk away from talks if we tried to make the adoption of UK rules a precondition of any FTA.

Anand Menon and Jonathan Portes: On balance, the pandemic strengthens the case for extending the Brexit transition

The choice could have profound consequences for the future of the UK economy, not just for next year but for decades.