Open Britain says UK-US trade could be derailed by 19 lost deals after Brexit

With promising signs of a swift deal between the two countries, UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox used his first overseas trip since the election to visit the US and lay the groundwork for a potential deal. 

But despite positive feedback, Open Britain, made up of MPs and other campaigners, has warned a deal could be dead in the water if a series of existing arrangement are not enshrined post-Brexit. 

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The UK currently has a series of standing commitments with the US under the European Union, of which Britain is still a member. 

They have identified 19 bilateral and multilateral agreements which face uncertainty, due to complex EU-US commercial agreements. 

The list covers items such as whisky, gin and other spirits, and foodstuffs such as beef, veal, pork and bananas. 

Also included is the Open Skies deal, in force since 1992, which allows a single aviation market between the US and the EU, and a fisheries convention for the North-West Atlantic. 

Open Britain states the Government must ensure replacement deals are in place with the US or face uncertain consequences. 

Either striking a deal to continue under the EU terms, or allowing the UK to maintain the status quo is imperative to avoid a shocking rule change once the UK exits the bloc. 

Mr Fox has indicated the UK is ready to discuss an ambitious trade deal with the US, and is eager to “explore ways to deepen trade and economic links” between the nations.

But his visit to the US threw up a host of questions surrounding the different laws governing food and drink in the US and EU, with lax rules over the pond allowing for hormone-fed beef and choline-washed chicken into the food chain. 

Mr Fox criticised what he called a media “obsession” with health and safety standards. 

The UK is yet to set in concrete its post-Brexit stance on a host of issues, as it will be free to do once the EU’s red tape is removed. 

Open Britain has urged the Government to guarantee the 19 agreements – which also cover customs arrangements and competition – or assure the public they will not be worse off post-Brexit. 

Labour MP Pat McFadden, a supporter of Open Britain, said: “Before the Government cosies up any closer to President Trump in its desperation to get a trade deal with the United States, we should secure the agreements we already have with them through our membership of the European Union.

“If we do not retain these agreements after Brexit, the consequences for the British economy will be dire in sectors from aviation to agriculture. 

“We all want Britain to have the freest trade possible with the United States, so long as doing so does not compromise our workers’ rights, consumer protection and environmental standards.”

An international trade spokeswoman said: “The first priority of the UK-US trade and investment working group discussions, which opened last month, is to give businesses on both sides of the Atlantic certainty and confidence as we leave the EU.

“As an international economic department, we will aim to ensure commercial certainty for US and UK businesses by working to secure continuity of existing EU-US agreements, such as the air transport agreement”.

The comments came as the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, criticised the Government’s Brexit position papers, labelling them as “unsatisfactory”.