A trade deal with Australia is an enormous opportunity for the UK. We are Australia’s second largest trading partner outside the Asia-Pacific and trade between our two countries was worth £18.8 billion in 2019.
This would be the first major post-Brexit free trade agreement with a country that the UK did not have an existing trade deal with as an EU member state.
Our diplomatic relationship with Australia is one of the strongest bonds we have, given our shared history and common values. Free trade will lead to opportunities for companies in both countries and lower prices for consumers.
I was pleased to learn from the Department for International Trade that a free trade agreement with Australia would also be a gateway towards our joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The Minister set out the many benefits of joining the CPTPP.
You can watch my question here: https://www.facebook.com/AaronBell4NUL/videos/298384711620380