UK may not strike trade deals for years, fears minister

TOM GORDON

should be no cliff edge for businesses in the UK and the European Union and to make sure that trade continues as frictionless as possible.”

Downing Street downplayed a report in the Sunday Telegraph that the Prime Minister would walk out the negotiations in a staged show of defence over the “divorce bill” for Brexit.

The paper said a former senior figure in Number 10 had briefed industry and City bosses about the pantomime in order to limit the backlash from financial markets.

“This suggestion has no part in our plans,” a Number 10 source said.

Outgoing Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said Mrs May’s “threat to throw her toys out the pram” was a “desperate attempt” by the Prime Minister to project strength she didn’t have.

He said: “It is no way to conduct negotiations that are vital for the future of every family in this country.”

The SNP yesterday welcomed the UK Government triggering a two-year withdrawal from a pre-EU arrangement allowing five European countries to fish in British waters.

The 1964 London Fisheries Convention lets vessels from France, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands fish six to 12 nautical miles off the UK coastline.

Withdrawal means UK vessels lose reciprocal fishing rights with the same countries.

Tory Environment Secretary Michael Gove said it was an “important moment” allowing the UK to “take back control” and negotiate fresh arrangements over access.

SNP Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We have been pressing for some time now.

“Our priority is to protect our fishing industry and allowing unrestricted access to our waters to remain through this convention clearly would not be doing that.” JO SWINSON has said she may run in future for the UK leadership of the Liberal Democrats, saying: “I’m not saying never. In politics you don’t rule things out.”

The former minister, re-elected as the MP for East Dunbartonshire after a two-year gap, recently ruled herself out as a contender to replace Tim Farron, and is now the party’s deputy leader.

Sir Vince Cable, 74, is now expected to become the party leader. However Ms Swinson, 37, told the BBC Sunday Politics Scotland that she had only ruled herself out for the short term, and could envisage applying for the role in future.