HOW TO LIVE with the giant on its doorstep is always a conundrum for post-Brexit Britain. Since Brexit took effect in January 2021, goods exports to the EU have fallen sharply because of new non-tariff barriers. One way to avoid these would be closer alignment with EU rules, as was proposed for food and energy in the deal that Sir Keir Starmer struck with EU leaders in May. This week Nick Thomas-Symonds, minister for EU relations, stoutly defended this deal against Nigel Farage’s attacks, arguing that his promise to reverse it would cost the economy £9bn ($12bn) and raise food prices.