Brexit Britain to sign new partnership agreement TODAY as EU trade talks on brink
BORIS JOHNSON will sign another landmark post-Brexit agreement later today with a leading nation as parallel trade talks with the European Union remain on the brink.
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The Prime Minister is set to strike a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Ukraine as the UK ramps up plans for prosperity outside being linked to the bloc. Today Mr Johnson is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to finalise an agreement, which includes a free trade deal covering goods, services, and tariffs and quotas. Ahead of Mr Zelenskiy’s two-day visit to Britain, Mr Johnson reaffirmed the UK’s support to Ukraine, which has grown closer since the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russian forces in 2014.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said: “The UK is Ukraine’s most fervent supporter, we are utterly committed to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“The Strategic Partnership Agreement we are signing today signals the next chapter in our relationship.
“It’s a chapter that will bring increased security and prosperity for both the people of the UK and Ukraine.”
The latest deal comes less than a month after the UK signed a multi-billion pound free-trade agreement with Japan.
The first post-Brexit deal was signed on September 11 and is estimated to be worth £15.2billion.
The Department for International Trade says the agreement will ensure tariff-free trade on 99 percent of exports to Japan.
It is also expected to deliver a £1.5billion boost to the UK economy and increase UK workers’ wages by £800million in the long run.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “This is a historic moment for the UK and Japan as our first major post-Brexit trade deal.
"The agreement we have negotiated – in record time and in challenging circumstances – goes far beyond the existing EU deal, as it secures new wins for British businesses in our great manufacturing, food and drink, and tech industries.”
In another major boost for the UK, Ms Truss confirmed "good progress" is being made in trade talks with the US,
Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, she said: "We are making good progress on a deal with the US.
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“We've just finished round four of negotiations and we're discussing detailed tariffs and texts.
"We'll carry on working until 30 October, just before the presidential election."
Meanwhile, several outstanding issues remain in talks between the UK and Brussels including fishing, level playing field issues and governance.
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Speaking at a parliamentary committee on Wednesday, UK chief negotiator David Frost insisted an agreement remains in the balance.
He said: "The landing zone and the nature of the agreement is pretty clear if not exactly pinned down yet.
"A deal is eminently achievable and could be achieved but equally it is possible that we won't get there."