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The EU has published the legal texts that give effect to its understanding of the political agreement reached on phase one of Brexit negotiations in December. Meanwhile, UK prime minister Theresa May is expected to say definitively what the UK wants from Brexit in a speech on Friday.
When these actions are viewed together, we will better understand the extent of the gap between the EU and the UK. As Phelim O’Neill reports, aEU protocol limited benefit to farmers" target="_blank"> protocol that will keep Northern Ireland in a customs union and single market would be OK for trade on the island of Ireland but no use for access to the main market for the entire island, which is Britain.
It is a stressful time for farmers due to the weather alongside the wider issues of the CAP budget and possible Mercosur trade deal.
Interestingly, as Thomas Hubert reports, itMercosur stalemate as 'beef safeguard clause' added" target="_blank"> isn’t just the EU beef industry that is defensive, as it appears the South Americans would prefer to import the parts and make the cars themselves. That is as likely as tens of thousands of cattle coming to the EU for processing as an alternative to shipping beef.
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