We have always Traded throughout the world. We were always free to make Trade Deals with non-EU countries. We were always free to sell as much as we wanted to sell to non-EU countries.
Northern Ireland isn’t part of the Irish Republic, it is a part of the United Kingdom. Until Brexit mainland Britain had frictionless trade with Northern Ireland – Now we don’t. We didn’t need passports to visit Northern Ireland – Now we do. We didn’t need to fill in a ton of paperwork to transport goods to and from Northern Ireland – Now we do. We have practically handed Northern Ireland over to the EU. EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED.
No, we have never been part of the Schengen zone. We exercised our sovereign right to not become a port of it. Gibraltar was also never part of the Schengen zone – until now. Brexit has made it practically impossible for our BRITISH Overseas Territory to function without becoming a member. Brexit has forced Gibraltar to join. ALL Schengen members can travel to Gib. without going through Customs, British visitors can’t. EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED.
In what sense is our Trading Area bigger than it was when we were in the EU? Has the Earth suddenly expanded? Have you discovered some new countries?
As for selling our country to foreign powers – Why do you think we waited to the last minute to made a Deal with the EU? It was because Boris was hoping his pal Thump would win his appeal and somehow be reinstated as POTUS. Then we could have had a lovely Free Trade Deal with the USA that would have swamped us with cheap American foodstuff – steroid-injected beef and disease-riddled chickens for us while we continue exporting our top quality food to the EU. It may yet happen. Wealthy countries love making Trade Deals with poorer countries (Britain has just been overtaken by India in the ‘strongest economies’ Rich List) – especially when they’re clearly desperate.