International Trade Secretary Liam Fox signed the zero-tariff deal with his South Korean counterpart Yoo Myung-hee in Seoul. It marks the first post-Brexit trade deal the UK has secured in Asia and is broadly in line with the terms of the existing Korea-EU free trade agreement.
Philip Hammond, Britain’s chancellor of the exchequer, says there is a “clear majority” in Parliament which is against the U.K. leaving the European Union without a deal.
South Korean exports include cars, car parts and electronic equipment and the deal will provide stability to the UK whether or not it leaves the EU with a deal. The UK is South Korea’s 19th largest trading partner and second largest among EU members.
The UK and South Korea have signed an in principle free trade agreement (FTA) that seeks to maintain existing trade arrangements post-Brexit.
Ms Yoo said.: “The deal is significant as it eased uncertainties sparked by Brexit, amid the already challenging environment for exports on the escalating trade row between Washington and Beijing.”
So far the UK has agreed “continuity” deals with 12 countries and regions, including Israel, Norway and Iceland, Switzerland and Chile.
Mayor Bill de Blasio departs Liberty Island following a dedication ceremony for the new Statue of Liberty Museum on Thursday.
Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
NYC Mayor and newly-announced 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Bill de Blasio weighs in on President Trump’s thoughts about him, tabloid coverage of his announcement and why he says Donald Trump is a con man.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio entered the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, setting himself up as the best candidate in a 23-person race to challenge President Donald Trump. In a video posted online, de Blasio outlined a number of policies he championed in the city, including a $15 minimum wage, guaranteed health care and paid sick leave. He also took direct aim at Trump, calling the President a “bully” and saying he was best equipped to beat him in 2020.
