Trump puts EU ahead of Britain for trade deal

[northernladyuk]

Why do you think we aren't.

I think it is because it is against the rules of EU membership and nothing to do with vindictiveness. But I am happy to be put right if wrong. http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/ar...-deals-eu-says

[PurpleGorilla]

If it is not a condition of membership, why doesn't the UK just go ahead and negotiate trade deals? What is stopping them?

My understanding is that the EU has said that if we negotiate external trade deals before we have left, they won't make a future deal with the UK.

[northernladyuk]

My understanding is that the EU has said that if we negotiate external trade deals before we have left, they won't make a future deal with the UK.

But is it a condition of membership not to negotiate external trade deals?

[AtW]

My understanding is that the EU has said that if we negotiate external trade deals before we have left, they won't make a future deal with the UK.

Welcome to negotiations with a much stronger party - just wait until China makes their demands known

[AtW]

Obviously Trump (or anybody else for that matter) can't make deal with UK that would in any way get worse deal with a much bigger market (EU)

[PurpleGorilla]

But is it a condition of membership not to negotiate external trade deals?

As a member we are not allowed to negotiate external trade deals. So we have to leave first.

[northernladyuk]

It's vindictive. Shows the EU in its true colours.

As a member we are not allowed to negotiate external trade deals. So we have to leave first.

So the UK has to obey the rules and it is vindictive?

[PurpleGorilla]

So the UK has to obey the rules and it is vindictive?

Yes.

[AtW]

Yes.

Should not have filed for divorce, eh?

[jamesbrown]

But is it a condition of membership not to negotiate external trade deals?

No. HTH.