Today’s daily politics briefing
Boris Johnson’s government is ready to offer Australia a zero-tariff, zero-quota trade deal, it is understood – despite opposition from cabinet ministers and British farmers’ fears of ruin from cheap meat imports.
The prime minister is believed to have given his international trade secretary Liz Truss the go-ahead for a free trade agreement, with the goal of inking a deal in time for next month’s G7 summit in Cornwall.
It comes as ministers were accused of a “shocking” lack of knowledge about Northern Ireland following the UK’s Brexit agreement with the EU.
Labour claimed the government had failed to understand protocol arrangements contained in Mr Johnson’s deal. It follows an admission by Brexit minister David Frost that No 10 had failed to secure the agreement it wanted for Northern Ireland.
Australia deal would harm Northern Ireland, says incoming DUP leader
A tariff-free trade deal between the UK and Australia would damage Northern Irish farming, the incoming leader of the DUP has said.
Edwin Poots, who will soon take over from Arlene Foster, said he strongly opposed the proposal.
In a letter to the British environment secretary George Eustice, he wrote: “Australia has a number of distinct advantages over Northern Ireland, and the rest of the UK, in terms of the land available for farming, climate and lower standards, that allows its farmers to be able produce at a considerably lower cost, particularly in the beef and sheep sectors.
“Consequently there is a lot of potential for Australian beef and sheep exports to the UK to expand substantially over time if tariffs are eliminated.
“Australian beef and sheep products have the potential to undercut UK producers and to reduce Northern Ireland’s market share in GB which is our most important market for these products.”
The DUP politician added that if the deal goes ahead, it would set a precedent for agreements with other major exporting countries.
Rory Sullivan21 May 2021 12:17
EU citizens met with suspicion at UK border
EU citizens living in the UK have shared stories about being their treatment by border officials when arriving back in Britain.
Some said they had been told they could be refused entry at the UK border, despite receiving assurances about settled status.
German national Wolfgang told The Guardian he was detained at Heathrow airport despite having proof of settled status in the UK. “They need to provide a document that guarantees that this is an irrevocable status,” he said.
Labour MP Hilary Benn said: “It’s worrying to hear of these incidents happening. The Home Office needs to make sure that all Border Force staff are fully trained in applying the new rules.”