Britain and Australia agree broad terms of post-Brexit trade deal

The UK and Australia last night agreed the broad terms of a post-Brexit trade deal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison were said to have agreed the pact over dinner in Downing Street ahead of a formal announcement today.

Downing Street did not deny the reports and, if confirmed, it would be the first trade deal negotiated from scratch since the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Industry leaders have raised concerns over possible compromises on food standards, while farmers fear they could be undercut by cut-price imports.

A split in the Cabinet also appeared between International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Environment Secretary George Eustice, who has concerns about the impact on farmers.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove also harbours fears a deal could fuel demands for Scottish and Welsh independence.

Scottish Government minister Mairi Gougeon yesterday said she feared the deal could “set the tone” for talks with other countries.

Farming leaders cosigned a letter to the UK Government warning the proposals could devastate their industry with tariff and quota-free access for Australian lamb and beef.

It is feared that such an agreement would lead to Scottish producers being undercut from imports from overseas.

The UK Government has stressed that any trade deal will include “protections” for the agriculture industry.

But Ms Gougeon, the Scottish Government’s rural affairs minister, said the agreement could also influence talks with other nations around the world.

Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson meet yesterday.