Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Maggie Throup

Tuesday 4th September 2018 Commons Chamber

[Maggie Throup (Erewash) (Con)]

14. What steps the Government are taking to strengthen diplomatic relations with Australia.

[The Minister for Africa (Harriett Baldwin)]

Australia is one of our closest bilateral partners, and diplomatic relations are excellent. In July, we held our 10th annual ministerial talks, where we agreed to strengthen foreign, security and trade relations. The Prime Minister spoke to Australia’s new Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, on 27 August.

[Maggie Throup]

I welcome the fact that the first major summit attended by the Foreign Secretary on his appointment was his and the Defence Secretary’s meeting with their Australian counterparts. Will he update the House on the progress made in preparing a free trade deal between our two countries?

[Harriett Baldwin]

I am sure the whole House will want to welcome Australia’s purchase of nine Type 26 frigates from the UK, which is a significant defence export and means that we have the “Five Eyes” frigate with our friends in Australia.

The UK-Australia trade working group is meeting regularly to lay the foundations for future free trade negotiations. Indeed, there is a public consultation so that the public can express their opinions.