UK and Switzerland sign services trade deal worth £5.2bn annually
The United Kingdom and Switzerland have signed a new free trade agreement focused on services, which the British government says could unlock £5.2 billion a year in exports in the long run. The deal includes the scrapping of mobile roaming charges for travelers and faster airport security checks, as well as visa-free access for certain professionals. Ministers hailed it as a landmark boost for the UK’s services sector. However, the agreement was finalized just weeks after negotiations broke down amid a shouting match, according to some reports. The deal covers crucial financial and professional services, but critics note that it does not address goods or agriculture. Supporters argue it will strengthen trade ties with Switzerland, a key non-EU partner, and serve as a model for future…
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