WORLD Oz banks on Brexit deal UK leaving EU opens many top trade doors
at Westminster
AND the winner is ... Australia.
Australia would be a major winner if Britain’s parliament signs off on a Brexit deal, opening the door to a blockbuster new free trade agreement.
Wine makers would get cheaper access to British markets, while Australian farmers would benefit as British farmers would lose generous EU subsidies that artificially make their goods cheaper.
Working rights would also be improved, under a deal that could be signed within months.
The deal was due to be voted on late last night, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson forced to rely on a patchwork of Conservative and Labour MPs to get it over the line.
There was also a push for a delay to be added to the deal as an amendment to give politicians more time to review the plans, which were signed off by the European Union this week.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters were also expected to flood into Westminster last night, demanding a new referendum on Brexit.
Alexander Downer, a former Australian High Commissioner in London, said Brexit would open up a world of new opportunities.
“With a deal (going) ahead Australia could negotiate a high quality free trade agreement,” he said.
“There would be improved access for businesses, professionals moving between Australia and the UK.”
Mr Downer, also a former Liberal leader, said that Australia would push for a deal similar to the E3 visa for America, which has opened up that country to Australians looking to work and do business.
Australian looking to work in the US currently have exclusive access to 10,500 E3 visas each year, which no other country can claim.
Australian wine makes up one in five bottles sold in the UK but it attracts taxes which could be scrapped under any free trade deal.
Mr Downer, who was speaking to British Labour MPs yesterday, said there was a feeling that “enough was enough” and they may cross the floor to get the deal done.
Any free trade agreement depends on the outcome of last night’s vote, which Mr Johnson needed 320 votes to get through.