It will probably be a long way to go before the UK/EU trade deal is signed off. The EU’s own demands and agenda are already pointing in this direction, with Mr Barnier’s rejection of British demands for a Canada-style trade deal which, tellingly, avoids any European Court of Justice standards supervision and demands. Mr Barnier’s response is indicative of the different political cultures which will underpin the ensuing negotiations and offers little hope that the next eleven months of talks will be smooth. Click on the link to read the paper The UK’s negotiating position with the EU is now that of a genuine sovereign nation.