For now, Brexit is a better deal for the EU than the UK

EU benefits from free trade provisions for goods and the more limited free trade oriented approach to services and financial services

A demonstration by British Shellfish exporters to protest Brexit-related red tape they claim is suffocating their business. Picture: AP

The EU single market, or the internal market, is a wonderful economic creation and an outstanding achievement. 

Some 27 separate countries (28 before Brexit) agreed to adjust their individual rules, requirements and regulations to facilitate the free movement of people, capital, goods and services between them. It is the world’s greatest example of economic co-operation and integration between sovereign independent states.