The UK government has confirmed via email communication that they are seeking to maximize trade and investment relations with Canada, Australia and New Zealand with intentions to introduce reciprocal visa arrangements with the three countries.
Written by James Skinner
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the government has been seeking opportunities for closer relationships with its allies. This has primarily included trade and visa arrangements with Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Responding to a query specific to CANZUK free trade and free movement, the Department for International Trade in London stated via email:
“The Government shares CANZUK ambitions to maximise the UK’s trade and investment relationship with our close allies. Our strategy is to do so primarily through bilateral and regional agreements.”
“We are committed to negotiating and securing an ambitious free trade deal with Australia and New Zealand as soon as possible, harnessing the opportunity to negotiate a high-quality trade agreement with like-minded, liberal trading nations.”
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Australia, New Zealand and the UK have already sighted interest in a post-Brexit trade deal, with complimentary terms establishing free movement of people between the countries.
“Bilateral and regional trade agreements are not the only tools to enhance the close bonds between our four countries”, the statement continued. “For example, the UK Government announced earlier this year preferential access for citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand through the use of e-gates at UK airports as well as the Eurostar terminal, thereby helping these travellers visiting the UK.”
As a direct address to the issue of free movement between the CANZUK countries, the statement declared:
“Our approach is clear that future trade agreements with key trading partners could include enhanced commitments on the movement of business persons.”
The Department of International Trade’s statement confirms the intentions of the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to seek closer cooperation between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom following the end of the UK’s transition period with the European Union in December 2020.
CANZUK International will continue to liaise with UK Members of Parliament and ensure that free movement and trade between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom remain priority policies.
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