Sure, EU law says you cannot do so until you leave. But the UK is known to be leaving and isn't going to feel too worried about the consequences of unbinding itself from the past and developing its independent future. If necessary, it's just going to stretch the meaning of the word "negotiate", of course. There's no question that as soon as it leaves, the UK will be ready to open its doors to new opportunities. Treaties will be ready to sign on Day One.
First free trade treaties will surely be with other countries employing Anglo-Saxon law. The US. Australia. Canada. New Zealand. etc.
The Europeans are so scared that life for the UK outside the EU will be better than life in it. Why? They are worried that, seeing the UK's success, others will leave.
They might be better served making being part of the EU obviously beneficial.
They rubbed the UK's nose in the dirt when it asked for a looser arrangement with the EU. They continue to employ the same model as we depart. Looks like that backfired. Whoopsydaisy.
I wonder what Ireland will do.
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