'EU needs to be reasonable!' Liz Truss gives Brussels new warnings as crisis talks hit
TRADE SECRETARY Liz Truss warned Brussels to back off following a new trade deal struck with Australia.
Brexit: EU 'needs to be reasonable' warns Truss
Speaking to Sky News, Trade Secretary Liz Truss warned Brussels to be pragmatic following a new trade deal the UK has struck with Australia. Her comments come amid ongoing grappling over the Northern Ireland protocol part of the Brexit trade deal which many are concerned will interfere with the new Australia deal.
Ms Truss warned Brussels will need to be "more pragmatic" amid ongoing skirmishes over the Northern Ireland protocol part of the Brexit trade deal.
She said: "This trade deal is totally compatible with the Northern Ireland Protocol.
"But what the issue in Northern Ireland is we need the EU to be pragmatic about how checks are undertaken.
Nick Ferrari quizzes Liz Truss on UK-Australia trade deal
Speaking yesterday to Sky News, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove threw his support behind the new free-trade deal with Australia.
But he stressed the government would support UK farmers who are fearful their businesses will be undercut by cheap Australian lamb and beef flooding the UK market.
Farmers also fear food standards will be compromised as a result of the deal.
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He added: "I think that opening up new markets for them worldwide which is what the brilliant Trade Secretary Liz Truss is doing is the way to make sure to not only keep our farmers successful but also ensure we have investment in the countryside.
"But I think it is also worth pointing out that the majority of meat which is reared and raised in Australia goes to the Asian market and that is there principle and growing market.
"Overall Australia is a friend and ally and I think there have been one or two points that have been made during the course of this debate that mischaracterise how Australian farmers operate and the opportunities also for UK farmers."
The government insists membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could provide British farmers with huge opportunities.
The deal was struck between Boris and Aussie Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday evening over a meal of Welsh lamb and Scottish smoked salmon served up with Australian wine.