Fox Brexit pledge to developing countries

DUTY-FREE access to the UK for imports from nations across the developing world will be maintained after Brexit, the Government has said.

The move means that around 48 countries, including Bangladesh, Haiti and Ethiopia, will continue to benefit from the arrangements on all goods bought by the UK, excluding weapons.

Some £20bn worth a year of goods are shipped to the UK from these countries, accounting for around half of UK clothing, and a quarter of UK coffee.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said: “Our departure from the EU is an opportunity to step up to our commitments to the rest of the world.

“Free and fair trade has been the greatest liberator of the world’s poor, and today’s announcement shows our commitment to helping developing countries grow their economies and reduce poverty through trade.

“Behind the ‘duty-free exports’ are countless stories of people in developing countries working hard to provide for themselves and their families by exporting everyday goods such as cocoa, bananas and roses.”

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: “The UK is using its position as a great, global trading nation to seize opportunities to lift countries out of poverty.

“This will generate the wealth, prosperity and investment needed to create millions of jobs and help the world’s poorest people stand on their own feet.”