Australia trade deal: Burley quizzes Gove on impact on farming
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Brexit Britain and Australia are understood to have finalised the broad terms of the pact – just over six months since the UK was finally freed from the shackles of the EU. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, held talks in London on Monday night to rubber-stamp the new partnership, which is set to increase trade between the two nations above the current £20billion.
The expansion of trade between London and Canberra comes as Britain remains locked in a bitter dispute with the EU over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Last week, the bloc reiterated threats of an all-out trade war if the UK does not impose checks on goods at risk of entering EU markets.
In a post on Twitter, Brexiteer John Redwood said: “Good news that Australia wants to expand trade with the UK on a fair and friendly basis.
“What a contrast with the EU that does everything it can to block trade and pick trade fights with us.”
A free trade deal between the UK and Australia is estimated to add around £500million to the UK economy.
A zero-tariff and zero-quota agreement are also set to open up new markets and the Government has previously batted away concerns of UK firms being undercut.
Australian Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the principle agreement was “exciting” for the economy.
He said: “Both prime ministers will come together in London to make sure that they can announce it, but the details of that are being finalised now.
“It’s important to get this right. As the Prime Minister said, we don’t need to rush this, but we’ve been able to leverage the strong relationship we have with the UK to get to an in-principle agreement, but those details have to be finalised in the coming hours.
“But that’s an exciting thing for not only Australian agriculture, but for our economy.”
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8.20am update: Gove says Australia trade deal will put UK farmers on the ‘world stage’
Michael Gove has hailed the benefits of a free trade deal with Australia and said an agreement will put UK farmers on the ‘world stage.
He said: “Australia is a friend and ally.”
“I think that there have been one or two points that have been made about Australia during the course of this debate that mischaracterise how Australian farmers operate and the opportunities also for UK farmers.
“So it’s important that we maintain protections and support for farmers, but it’s also the case that opening up trade barriers, bringing them down and opening up the opportunities, provides our farmers with the chance to show on the world stage the amazing quality of UK produce.”
8.00am update: ‘What is so offensive about our flag?’ GB News’ Alex Phillips hit out at ‘heavy-handed’ EU
GB News’ Alexandra Phillips hit out at the EU for their attitude towards the Brexit Party’s Union Jack farewell.
Ms Phillips told the nation she “thinks her views are reflective of the population”.
The prominent Brexiteer gained particular notoriety in 2019, after former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage ended his European Parliament goodbye speech by waving Union Jack flags.
His microphone was then cut for breaking the rules as the Brexit Party members continued to celebrate.
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