Brexiteer Andrea Jenkyns unable to name countries that trade solely with EU on WTO rules ‘Um, I obviously need to look a bit further into that…’

Brexiteer Andrea Jenkyns was left red faced during a television interview when she was unable to name any countries that trade solely with the EU using World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms, despite her public support for a no-deal Brexit which would see the UK rely heavily on the body’s framework.

Appearing on the BBC’s Politics Live show, the Tory MP for Morley and Outwood was challenged over her knowledge of the benefits of trading using the WTO rules, which is a key tenet of many hardline Brexiteers’ plans for leaving the EU without a deal.

‘Um…’

Host Jo Coburn asked Ms Jenkyns: “[The WTO is] often cited as the sort of terms of trade that leavers like you would like to see. But which other country does trade solely with the EU on WTO terms, Andrea?”

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The MP paused before replying: “Um, I obviously need to look a bit further into that.”



After the presenter challenged Ms Jenkins again on the subject, the MP hit back: “Why is this about trading with the EU? To me I see a global Britain and unlike Remainers my borders are not the EU.

“You know, I see the borders beyond that and for global Britain for trade.”

‘It’s total nonsense’

This prompted a reaction from Labour MEP candidate Seb Dance, who is standing for re-election in Thursday’s vote.

He defended Remainers and said: “It’s our EU membership that gives us better terms with the rest of the world. That is how we trade with the rest of the world currently.

“Your no-deal would not just rip us out of our biggest market, it would end the trade relationship we have with some 60 plus other countries around the world, which we would then have to negotiate from scratch.

“The furthest we’ve got now is the Faroe Islands. I’m sorry, it’s total nonsense.”

Trade secretary Liam Fox had hoped to replicate many of the 69 trade agreements the EU has with other countries, which Britain shares in while it is still a member of the bloc, but so far has only managed to sign deals will 11 other countries and regions.

‘What sort of example are you setting?’

Ms Jenkyns was challenged once again however, when the host asked her: “But when you are talking about trading on WTO terms – if you can’t name the countries who do currently do that – what sort of example in terms of trade are you setting for the UK?”

She responded: “I was the one who said I prefer a deal.” She added: “But why is it all about trading with the EU?” before repeatedly cutting the presenter off as she tried to make her point to the MP.

Ms Coburn eventually said: “But the other countries that do trade with the EU just solely on WTO rules […] but the countries who do trade on that basis are Cuba, Venezuela, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and North Korea.”