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Brexit trade deal could take 10 years, says UK's ambassador Brexit trade deal could take 10 years, says UK's ambassador
(35 minutes later)
A post-Brexit UK-EU trade deal might take 10 years to finalise and still fail, Britain's ambassador to the EU has privately told the government.A post-Brexit UK-EU trade deal might take 10 years to finalise and still fail, Britain's ambassador to the EU has privately told the government.
The BBC understands Sir Ivan Rogers warned ministers that the European consensus was that a deal might not be done until the early to mid-2020s.The BBC understands Sir Ivan Rogers warned ministers that the European consensus was that a deal might not be done until the early to mid-2020s.
He also cautioned that an agreement could be rejected ultimately by other EU members' national parliaments.He also cautioned that an agreement could be rejected ultimately by other EU members' national parliaments.
No 10 expressed confidence in reaching a deal to suit the UK and the EU.No 10 expressed confidence in reaching a deal to suit the UK and the EU.
In October, Sir Ivan, who conducted David Cameron's negotiation over the UK's relationship with the EU, advised ministers that the view of the 27 other countries was that a free trade agreement could take as long as a decade.In October, Sir Ivan, who conducted David Cameron's negotiation over the UK's relationship with the EU, advised ministers that the view of the 27 other countries was that a free trade agreement could take as long as a decade.
He said that even once concluded, the deal might not survive the process of ratification, which involves every country having to approve the deal in its own parliament.He said that even once concluded, the deal might not survive the process of ratification, which involves every country having to approve the deal in its own parliament.
'Free trade deal''Free trade deal'
It is also understood he suggested that the expectation among European leaders was that a free trade deal, rather than continued membership of the single market, was the likely option for the UK after Brexit.It is also understood he suggested that the expectation among European leaders was that a free trade deal, rather than continued membership of the single market, was the likely option for the UK after Brexit.
Sir Ivan's private advice contrasts with ministers publicly insisting a deal can be done in the two years allowed by the triggering of Article 50 - the formal start of the process of leaving the EU.Sir Ivan's private advice contrasts with ministers publicly insisting a deal can be done in the two years allowed by the triggering of Article 50 - the formal start of the process of leaving the EU.
Downing Street said it did not recognise the views expressed by the diplomat.Downing Street said it did not recognise the views expressed by the diplomat.
Sources have suggested he was relaying other EU members' views, rather than his own or the British government's.Sources have suggested he was relaying other EU members' views, rather than his own or the British government's.
EU leaders to discuss Brexit without Theresa MayEU leaders to discuss Brexit without Theresa May
Brexit uncertainty risks 'City exodus'Brexit uncertainty risks 'City exodus'
What has actually happened since the Brexit vote?
AnalysisAnalysis
By Laura Kuenssberg, BBC political editorBy Laura Kuenssberg, BBC political editor
Just how long will it take?Just how long will it take?
The government is intent on persuading us Brexit can be done smoothly, and to time.The government is intent on persuading us Brexit can be done smoothly, and to time.
So the suggestion that the UK's most senior diplomat in Brussels has privately told the government that a final trade deal with the rest of the EU might not be done for 10 years, and might ultimately fail, may give rise to more nerves.So the suggestion that the UK's most senior diplomat in Brussels has privately told the government that a final trade deal with the rest of the EU might not be done for 10 years, and might ultimately fail, may give rise to more nerves.
Read more from LauraRead more from Laura
EU leaders are preparing to meet to discuss Brexit negotiations, without UK Prime Minister Theresa May being present.EU leaders are preparing to meet to discuss Brexit negotiations, without UK Prime Minister Theresa May being present.
Downing Street said Thursday's meeting showed the EU was facing up to the reality that the UK was leaving.Downing Street said Thursday's meeting showed the EU was facing up to the reality that the UK was leaving.
It is expected that the other members will discuss who will the lead the EU's negotiating team in Brexit talks.It is expected that the other members will discuss who will the lead the EU's negotiating team in Brexit talks.
This is expected to be former EU Commissioner Michel Barnier, who is in charge of the European Commission's Brexit team.This is expected to be former EU Commissioner Michel Barnier, who is in charge of the European Commission's Brexit team.
'February at earliest''February at earliest'
Meanwhile, UK Brexit Secretary David Davis told MPs on Wednesday that the UK's Brexit plan was still being worked on and a lot of research had to be done before it was ready.Meanwhile, UK Brexit Secretary David Davis told MPs on Wednesday that the UK's Brexit plan was still being worked on and a lot of research had to be done before it was ready.
He said the UK would not spell out its negotiating aims in more detail until February at the earliest.He said the UK would not spell out its negotiating aims in more detail until February at the earliest.
But a senior EU official has said the 27 member states are sticking to the principle of "no negotiation without notification", meaning talks can only begin once Mrs May has triggered Article 50.But a senior EU official has said the 27 member states are sticking to the principle of "no negotiation without notification", meaning talks can only begin once Mrs May has triggered Article 50.
She has said the UK will formally notify the EU of its intention to leave by the end of March at the latest.She has said the UK will formally notify the EU of its intention to leave by the end of March at the latest.