Speaking to the International Trade Committee, Ms Truss dismissed any fears the UK would lower its standards after signing the free trade agreement with Australia last month. With the UK on the verge of targeting new markets, Ms Truss claimed Britain’s Brexit had been restricted while being a member of the EU. Although some have claimed the UK will be inundated with an influx of substandard Australian produce, Ms Truss has insisted that UK beef and lamb are ‘the best in the world’ and will not be under- quoted.
She told MPs today: “First of all, we are not lowering our import standards.
“We have agencies there to make sure that anything imported into this country will be safe and sound.
“That doesn’t change under his agreement.”
Describing her post-Brexit plans, she said British farmers will now have greater opportunities in the United States, the Gulf and Asia-Pacific.
She added: “Being part of the EU for 50 years, we have not had these opportunities.
“We had free trade with Australia and New Zealand before we joined.”
Asked by SNP chairman and MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar covering the Outer Hebrides, Angus MacNeil, who UK producers are currently losing outside the EU, Ms Truss bragged that UK products can compete with any equivalent in the world despite Remainer’s fears.
She added: “British beef and lamb are the best in the world.”
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In order to block fears of undercutting by UK farmers, Ms Truss has included a 15-year period during which Australian imports will be capped.
This will give UK farmers an adjustment period in order to make changes to the trade.
If too much beef and lamb is imported after 10 years, the UK will create a new tax called a safeguard duty which can be applied for five more.
The deal is also seen as the final ingredient in the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The alliance is made up of 11 countries and removes 95% of tariffs on all products.
The alliance’s combined GDP is currently valued at £ 9 trillion and could reach £ 11 trillion with UK membership.
The alliance also accounts for 13% of global GDP and could reach 16% with the UK.
Last month, Ms Truss welcomed the start of formal negotiations for UK membership.
She said last month: “CPTPP already has a significant global presence, and our membership would send a powerful signal to the rest of the world that the UK, as an independent trading nation, will continue to champion free and fair trade, to fight protectionism and reduce tariffs at every opportunity.
“This will mean stronger trade links with the Indo-Pacific, which is vital for our trade, investment, supply chain goals as well as supporting green growth, women’s economic empowerment. and high standards for UK workers.
“The launch of negotiations marks an important step in our accession process, and I look forward to the start of talks in the coming weeks.”
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This notice was published: 2021-07-07 18:45:00
