The need to introduce level-playing field mechanisms to ensure the UK does not undercut the EU with respect to environmental and social regulations and state support is right at the centre of the current trade negotiations.

Arguably, the hottest issue is whether the prospective trade deal should include a robust system of state aid control. This could end up being the deal-breaker in the pending trade negotiations between the UK and the EU. Views on this issue have been aired from various perspectives.

Dr Luca Rubini (BLS) and Professor Andrea Biondi (KCL) have recently offered their view in an editorial for The Independent.

Read the editorial