[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

<SNIP>

Although the WTO Article provides for a 10-year period, we would not require anywhere near that amount of time to agree a trade deal. Everything is already aligned with the EU anyway.

We would need the EU to agree to this approach, but why wouldn't they if it would ease the trading arrangements between our two countries? We could use the time between now and the new end date for leaving the EU to achieve just that.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/759021/25_November_Political_Declaration_setting_out_the_ framework_for_the_future_relationship_between_the_ European_Union_and_the_United_Kingdom__.pdf

17. Against this backdrop, the Parties agree to develop an ambitious, wide-ranging and balanced economic partnership. This partnership will be comprehensive, encompassing a free trade area as well as wider sectoral cooperation where it is in the mutual interest of both Parties. It will be underpinned by provisions ensuring a level playing field for open
and fair competition, as set out in Section XIV of this Part...…...

XIV. LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR OPEN AND FAIR COMPETITION

79. The future relationship must ensure open and fair competition. Provisions to ensure this should cover state aid, competition, social and employment standards, environmental standards, climate change, and relevant tax matters, building on the level playing field arrangements provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement and commensurate with the overall economic relationship.....

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As you can see, the Political Declaration is intended to strap both hands and our d*ck behind our back, preventing us from gaining any competitive advantage from our independence.

No chance in negotiating a trade deal quickly unless we give this ground away.