Brussels may include 'punishment clause' in post-Brexit trade deal

Exclusive: EU could impose punitive tariffs on key British exports such as beef if UK seeks to lower regulatory standardsThe EU is exploring the inclusion of a “punishment clause” in any future trade deal with the UK to allow Brussels to slap tariffs on key British exports to the bloc if the UK government seeks to gain a commercial advantage by lowering regulatory standards.In a move that would torpedo the post-Brexit plans of the British cabinet’s key Brexiters, any significan