What a Beano! First post-Brexit trade deals kick in

SHIPMENTS of British favourites including signed Beano comics and single malt whisky will be shipped Down Under today as the UK’s first postBrexit trade deals come into force.

New arrangements with Australia and New Zealand are intended to cut tariffs and bureaucracy, meaning UK businesses are better able to sell to the faraway markets. Consignments of picked British and Irish goods will be dispatched, including bags from the Cambridge Satchel Co, an England cricket top signed by stars James Anderson and Emma Lamb and Fever-Tree mixers.

The items are being sent by the UK Government to the Australian and New Zealand trade ministers to mark the occasion.

‘Today is a historic moment as our first trade deals to be negotiated post-Brexit come into effect,’ said Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

‘Businesses up and down the country will now be able to reap the rewards of our status as an independent trading nation and seize new opportunities, driving economic growth, innovation and higher wages.’

Ministers say that alongside the new trade deals, young Britons will benefit from opportunities in Australia thanks to the expansion of youth and working holiday visa schemes. In July the age limit for UK applicants going to Australia will rise from 30 to 35 years old. From July next year Britons will be able to stay in Australia for three years without having to meet specific work requirements.

International trade minister Nigel Huddleston said: ‘Australia and New Zealand are two of our closest friends and likeminded partners and our trade deals secure favourable terms for British exporters.’