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Originally Posted by OLD BOY
Typical sensationalism.
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The FT is many things but I'm not sure that's a label I would attach to it.
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Originally Posted by OLD BOY
Is there any reason why we can't negotiate this deal in stages?
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Japan is in a stronger position than us so is calling the shots. It has a range of trade deals across the world including the EU. And of course it's a bigger country.
Japan also feels that we have reneged on the gentleman's agreement it made with Margaret Thatcher's government which secured the Japanese car factories, so its goodwill is diminished.
The trouble with doing it in stages is that there would be an inevitable gap from 1st January to when the next bit of the deal is concluded. This could mean that Japanese buyers go elsewhere and don't return to the UK suppliers when the deal is done.
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Originally Posted by OLD BOY
Or why we cannot protect our current position while negotiations continue over a slightly longer period?
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Our current position with Japan is only there by virtue of the EU and ends on 31 December. Boris has said he won't entertain an extension past this date which would protect our position.