https://twitter.com/FGAbiKay/status/1214810199422316544 It is getting harder to see the government taking on UK farmers by agreeing to US demands in a trade agreement (though still far from impossible). Which in turn means less chance of a full US trade deal.

Perhaps it was always going to be a difficult task to take on farmers, but the issue of food standards and trade has been handled poorly by Ministers. Equally the value of a US trade deal is more symbolic than economic. And quite possible there will be a "deal" covering little...

Back again to the question of what the UK wants to achieve with trade policy. Currently the government theoretically want to go global, but in practice if that means level playing field conditions or regulatory alignment, don't know what to do. Much to do...