Outgoing High Commissioner sees better post-Brexit trade deal for SA

Outgoing British High Commissioner to South Africa Dame Judith Macgregor says there will be no “cliff edge” in the trade and investment relationship between the UK and South Africa when Britain leaves the European Union (EU), arguing that there is even potential to strengthen the relationship both bilaterally and through a revitalised Commonwealth. Speaking at a South Africa Institute of International Relations event ahead of her retirement at the end of March, Macgregor said it was too early to outline the precise mechanisms for ensuring that “no gaps” emerged in a trade relationship that was currently governed by the recently ratified Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and six Southern African countries, including South Africa.