The choice made by the UK government was for friction with the EU over any kind of regulatory alignment. This is the natural consequence. It is a big problem for the country that neither government nor opposition will admit it. https://twitter.com/lisaocarroll/status/1352890092210315264

In particular Keir Starmer saying no case for major renegotiation of the EU deal needs to be reversed if Labour is to have any credibility on the issue. It is normal politics for an opposition to say government did not get a good deal, and true in this case.

If Labour can't say they will get a better deal with the EU than the government it is hard to know what their purpose is as an opposition. Yes difficult politics, red wall etc, but you can't just say nothing because being afraid isn't a great look either.

More tales of Brexit, this time featuring a couple of 'experts' (guilty...) https://twitter.com/cnni/status/1352900264932614144?s=20

Anyway, back to the government. We've discovered who is in charge of trading relations with the EU, and implementation of the agreement.

Would it amaze you to learn the answer was...?

There is no specific government lead for EU trade.

https://twitter.com/DavidHenigUK/status/1352651810989871105

It can hardly be a surprise that the UK government is struggling with the EU trading relationship (even to acknowledge what it is) when no single individual is in charge of it.

A few inter departmental conversations while exports and GDP reduce before our eyes.

And yes, last one for now, some UK business could benefit from eg substituting for imports. New trade deals can help a bit. But neither of these will be equal to the economic losses from trade barriers. Basic economics.