UK to set out EU trade objectives next month: Brexit Secretary

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Britain will reveal more details about its objectives for a free trade deal with the European Union next month, after the country has left the bloc, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Sunday (January 26).

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH BREXIT SECRETARY STEPHEN BARCLAY, SAYING:

"So, there will be a speech from the Prime Minister after the 31st setting that out but the key issue is that we will have control of our rules, we will not be a rule taker, we will not diverge for the sake of diverging. We start from a position of alignment but the key opportunity is that we will be able to set our standards, high standards, on worker's rights, on the environment, on state aid as part of that trade policy."

What's at stake are the terms of trade between the world's biggest trading bloc and fifth largest economy beyond 2021 - when an 11-month post-Brexit transition period is due to expire.

Negotiations are expected to start in March after the EU Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the 27 remaining members, has put its objectives to governments.