Barry Gardiner, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, said in response to continued uncertainty over the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement:
“The latest delay of CETA and the cancellation of the EU – Canada Summit should make this government pause and ponder the likelihood of concluding a new trade relationship with the EU within a 2 year time frame.
“The Canadian Agreement has been hailed by ministers as a model of what they would like. But it has taken 7 years to negotiate already and is much less complex than any deal with the UK inevitably must be.
“The government seems able to delude themselves about the difficulties that lie ahead. But they have no right to delude the British people. Trade Agreements are arduous and detailed with each side negotiating in the best interests of their own country. No government can rely on good will. The government must be clear about its aims and straight with the British public.”