Theresa May heads to Canada for post-Brexit trade talks with Justin Trudeau
1 min read
Theresa May will travel to Canada today for a head-to-head with Justin Trudeau about a post-Brexit trade deal.
The Prime Minister hailed the “shared values” between the two countries and reportedly wants to use Canada’s new deal with the EU as a blueprint for the UK’s future arrangements with Ottawa.
It took seven years for Canada and the EU to hammer out the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta), which comes into force on 21 September.
Ahead of the trip, Mrs May said: "When we come together and work as one to project our shared values on the world stage, we form a powerful union.
"My visit to Canada today is not only about recognising our past but also looking ahead to our bright future."
The UK is barred from striking new deals with other countries until after it has quit the EU, according to the bloc’s rules.
Meanwhile, the UK’s trade relationship with Canada is thought to be worth £15.2bn a year.
In its bid to strike the Ceta deal, Canada agreed to drop 98% of its import duties.
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