What happened to the post-Brexit free trade deals?

When people talk about the ways the Conservatives have squandered this parliament, and with it their first and best opportunity to demonstrate to voters the benefits of Brexit, they often focus on domestic concerns: the failure to tackle legacy EU red tape, or the lack of progress on levelling up. But one of the biggest disappointments of the past few years must be the United Kingdom’s dismal record on international trade.

Outside the bloc, Britain ought to have been in a good position to bolster our commercial relationships across the globe, losing the sheer mass of the European market but gaining the ability to move nimbly and strike deals to our economy and strengths, rather than those of a dozen or more EU Member States.

Instead, trade has simply become another arena for showcasing the shortcomings of our politicians.