Raab flown out to Australia in push for early trade deal

BORIS JOHNSON has sent Dominic Raab to Australia to seek an early trade deal that will put pressure on the EU in the coming negotiations.

The Foreign Secretary will land in Canberra today at the start of a fourday visit to the region, which will also take in Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.

All four countries have expressed a desire to tie-up trade deals with the UK, and Mr Johnson wants to send a message to Brussels that Britain will manage with or without an EU trade deal.

On Monday, Mr Johnson and Michel Barnier, the EU’S chief negotiator, set out their objectives for the coming trade talks, exposing a chasm between the two sides.

The Prime Minister made it clear he would walk away without a trade deal if Brussels refuses to compromise. Over the coming months he will send ministers around the world teeing up deals with other trading partners to show he is serious.

The Foreign Office said Mr Raab would meet Marise Payne, his Australian counterpart, “to discuss future trade and investment opportunities and the potential for an early free-trade deal”.

He will also meet Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, and Simon Birmingham, the trade minister.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Raab said: “Following the UK’S departure from the EU we have the chance to broaden our horizons to embrace the huge opportunities in the Indo-pacific region, including with Australia.

“Australia is a natural partner and we are ready to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal. We have a multi-billion pound trade relationship... the scope for win-win is huge.”

Trade between the two countries was worth £18.3billion in 2019, making Australia the UK’S 19th-biggest trading partner.

Liz Truss, the International Trade Secretary, is also expected to reveal details today of the Government’s ambitions for trade deals with the US and other countries.