(Alliance News) - A post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and Australia is "now in sight" after "major breakthroughs" in discussions, UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has said.
Her department said on Friday that a consensus had been reached in the "vast majority" of elements of a comprehensive free trade agreement after two days of talks with Australian trade minister Dan Tehan.
Uncertainty had been cast over the discussions this week when allies of Truss described her counterpart to the Telegraph as "inexperienced" ahead of his visit.
Trade deal progress was criticised as "glacially slow", while Truss was said to be planning to sit her guest in "an uncomfortable chair" in the Foreign Office's Locarno Room "so he has to deal with her directly for nine hours".
But in a statement on Friday, Truss said: "We have made major breakthroughs over the past few days and an agreement is now in sight. I want to thank Dan personally for the contribution he has made and for his desire to get this deal done.
"This is a deal that will deliver for Britain and all parts of our economy. It is a win-win for both nations.
"We will spend the next few weeks ironing out details and resolving outstanding issues, with a view to reaching a deal by June."
By Sam Blewett, PA Deputy Political Editor
source: PA
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