Nation adrift: Britain after Brexit looks like some Latin American countries

(Photo: Lauren Hurley – AP)

After several decades of covering Latin American affairs, I’m pretty used to seeing developing countries that are deeply divided over where they should fit in the global scene. But I never thought I would see one of the world’s most developed countries as split over what to do when it grows up as Britain is today.

During a four-day visit to Britain, I heard more than half a dozen proposals by British officials and pundits to seek new trade alliances with the country following its June 23 vote for the Brexit, its decision to leave the 28-country European Union (EU).

As in a game of musical chairs, the British are desperately seeking an empty chair in non-European trade agreements before the music stops (and Donald Trump or other anti-free-trade populists close the door on new trade agreements.) Nearly 45 percent of British exports currently go to EU countries, and may face high custom duties once Britain formally leaves the EU bloc after its exit negotiations are completed.

On July 11, Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, the country’s equivalent of a treasury secretary who resigned last week following the appointment of new Prime Minister Theresa May, proposed that Britain join the U.S.-Mexico-Canada North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). «We should begin the conversation now with the U.S. and other members of NAFTA, » Osborn wrote in The Wall Street Journal.

To continue reading this article click The Miami Herald