German politician tells UK to 'call us' for post-Brexit trade talks

16 October 2023 , 15:01

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The offer comes after Rishi Sunak's deal with the EU on post-Brexit arrangements in Northern Ireland seemed to improve relations between Brussels and London. (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Germany's finance minister, Christian Lindner, has hinted that the EU might be open to revisiting post- Brexit trading relations with the UK.

He told BBC News: "If you want to intensify your trade relationship with the EU call us!" and "In the daily life of German corporates, there are new obstacles since Brexit... I don't think (the) United Kingdom is benefiting from Brexit."

"We really appreciate the United Kingdom and its values, its people... and I would really, really appreciate it if we can intensify (the trading relationship) again," he added.

This comes after Rishi Sunak's deal with the EU on post-Brexit arrangements in Northern Ireland seemed to improve relations between Brussels and London.

The UK will also rejoin the EU's £85 billion Horizon research programme, indicating better ties. Both Labour and the Conservatives have committed to keeping the UK out of the EU's single market, but Labour wants a better trade deal with the bloc. A Government spokesperson said: "The Trade and Co-operation Agreement is the world's largest zero-tariff, zero-quota free trade deal. "

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"It secures the UK market access across key service sectors and opens new opportunities for UK businesses across the globe."

"Following the Windsor Framework, both the UK and EU have publicly committed to maximising the opportunities of the TCA even further."

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Steve Charnock