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09 May 2017
Issue: 7745 / Categories: Features , Brexit
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Brexit: Is the UK set for WTO limbo?

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Gregory Shaffer explains the UK’s WTO commitments after EU withdrawal

The idea of World Trade Organization (WTO) vetoes being used to settle historical scores over Gibraltar or the Falklands has been circulated as one post-Brexit complication, with the UK set to relinquish its existing WTO status as part of the EU bloc. Gregory Shaffer, a leading authority on international trade law, explains the UK's tariff and other WTO commitments and considers the very real prospect of the UK spending some time in WTO limbo.

What is the background to this? Could certain countries block the UK’s efforts for a new WTO settlement?

The UK is an original member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and its successor organisation the WTO. However, only the EU represents and speaks for EU member states in the WTO—the UK’s rights and obligations under the WTO are defined as a result of negotiations conducted by the EU for all EU member states. After Brexit, the UK will need to have its own schedules

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