Brits Fear ‘Damage’ If Canadian Politicians Delay Ratification of Trade Deal

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) shakes hands with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upon arrival for the NATO summit in Watford, northeast of London, on Dec. 4, 2019. Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

OTTAWA—The British government is concerned and disappointed that Canada’s Parliament won’t be able to formally ratify their new trade agreement ahead of a Jan. 1 deadline.

British trade officials say they are concerned the delay will inflict “damage and destruction” on businesses, and they blame the situation on Canadian politicians who they say can’t set aside their partisan differences.