As the United Kingdom and Australia prepare to begin talks for a post-Brexit free trade agreement, free movement of citizens will also be a major benefit arising from negotiations according to a major Chamber of Commerce.
Written by James Skinner
Speaking with Sky News Australia, Chief Executive of the Australian British Chamber of Commerce, David McCredie, discussed details of the upcoming trade negotiations between Australia and the UK.
The interview with host Ticky Fullerton was in response to George Brandis QC, the Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, stating one week earlier that the UK and Australia “will shortly be commencing formal talks on a free trade agreement”.
“We’re at the start of the negotiation to enhance the Australian/UK trading relationship through a formal negotiation which most are suggesting will start in a couple of weeks, around the middle of June”, said McCredie.
The UK’s ongoing negotiations with the European Union have faced difficulties in recent weeks, as both the British and European governments have reached a temporary stalemate on issues such as fishing rights and monetary commitments.
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However, McCredie remained optimistic about future negotiations between Australia and the UK, stating that a trade agreement between the two countries would be of high priority and one of the more promising arrangements.
“Australia, I think, is the most like-minded”, said McCredie. “We have so many complimentarities in terms of our industry and trade, and our outlook on the world. I think we are a very promising opportunity for the UK, and quite possibly, will be the first one to be done”.
As a direct address to the issue of free movement of persons as part of any trade deal between Australia and the UK, McCredie responded:
“In terms of people movement, in the broader scenario over the longer term, I think we will see some benefits out of this free trade agreement. I know there is a lot of talk about how we open up our borders.”
The comments from McCredie regarding free movement between the UK and Australia come soon after the British government stated they share ambitions 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.
The full interview, courtesy of Sky News Australia, can be viewed below:
CANZUK International will continue to liaise with the media and chambers of commerce across Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to ensure that free movement and trade between the CANZUK countries are priority policies for legislative implementation.
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