Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what protections there will be for British farmers under a trade deal with Australia.

HM Government wants to secure an ambitious free trade deal with Australia that benefits businesses across the UK.

Any deal the UK signs with Australia will include protections for the agriculture industry and will not undercut UK farmers or compromise our high standards.

Tariff liberalisation is often staged over time, with safeguards built in. The government’s aim in negotiations is to secure a balanced and mutually beneficial liberalisation of tariffs, taking into account specific UK product sensitivities.

HM Government will continue to work with the industry, keeping them involved throughout the process and helping it capture the full benefits of trade.