In most big negotiations, the last 5% which can’t be agreed in legal text is handled in ‘politically binding’ side letters. Problem is that the EU no longer trust the UK to keep its word. So they insist on nailing it all down in treaty text. Problem of UK’s making.

Peter Ricketts says current negotiations will come to look simple as next phase takes hold. / The next stage of the Brexit negotiations are going to make the current mess look like a simple affair and will tie up the civil service for years, the former national security adviser and head of Britain’s diplomatic service has warned.

Tokyo is the biggest winner of the UK’s accession to the CPTPP.

Peter Ricketts, former British ambassador to France, tells of the difficulties faced by businesses and the 'extra red tape' as well as travel changes.

Cross-party group files claim to force inquiry into Russian interference in UK elections.

'This is all so pointless. We are creating a vast customs bureaucracy, with costs passed on to the consumer'

Lord Ricketts attacks failure to acknowledge that fallbacks will be 'putting the safety of the public at risk'.

The former head of MI6 says any Brexit makes security difficult to manage but "the harder the Brexit, the greater the damage". / The blunt warning comes from three men who have served at the very top of the British defence and security ...

Thousands of names ‘double keyed’ into Interpol system – in case screens ‘switched off’ in just eight weeks’ time.

Ex-ambassador says Democrat White House would prioritise France and Germany.

Liz Truss has hit out at the French authorities for the border chaos, but the government rejected an offer to double the number of passport booths in 2020.

Former terror law reviewer David Anderson warns of serious impact on fight against cross-border crime.

European leaders made their feelings about the Northern Ireland protocol known to a PM desperate to score a PR victory.

French president responds to ‘jury’s out’ comments by Tory leadership favourite Liz Truss about key ally.