The chair of parliament’s new Brexit watchdog says it is “very likely” the UK will get a free trade deal with the EU
The UK will “very likely” be able to secure a free trade deal with the EU according to the leader of parliament's new Brexit watchdog, although transition arrangements must also be struck.
Speaking in public for the first time as the chair of the Brexit Select Commitee, Hilary Benn said a free trade deal for manufactured goods in particular was probable, but added that the government must reassure businesses regardless.
“There are those who argue that it will be perfectly possible both to negotiate the divorce agreement provided by Article 50 but also to conclude a new trade and access agreement for our trade and services.
“They may be right but somehow I doubt it. And if that is the case I think it's inevitable that we will need to have a transition agreement,” Benn said, adding that the government should make explicit its desire to seek such a deal in the meantime.
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“Firstly because there's is no guarantee that the other 27 will agree to extend the two year period, and secondly it would provide some certainty to business,” he said.
Benn was elected as chair of the new Brexit select committee last month after almost half of all parliamentarians backed the former shadow foreign secretary, defeating Labour Leave campaigner Kate Hoey to win the role.