House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Negotiations on the UK’s Future Trading Relationship with Australia: Update
14 December 2020 · Department for International Trade
Proposed by Elizabeth Truss Con South West Norfolk
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK and Australia completed detailed discussions in several chapters during the third round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement.
- Negotiators identified areas of common understanding and committed to maintaining momentum through intersessional discussions.
- The agreement aims to be fair, balanced, and uphold high standards for environmental protection, labour rights, product safety, food security, animal welfare, and NHS protections.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the progress of the third round of negotiations between the UK and Australia for a Free Trade Agreement.
Action requested
Negotiators have completed detailed discussions in several chapters and identified areas of common understanding. They are committed to maintaining momentum through intersessional discussions leading up to the next negotiation round, ensuring that any agreement is fair, balanced, and upholds high standards for environmental protection, labour rights, product safety, food security, animal welfare, and NHS protections.
Key facts
- The third round of negotiations took place between November 23rd and December 4th.
- Negotiators completed 46 discussions across various chapters including digital, telecommunications, customs, rules of origin, procurement, and dispute settlement.
- Both sides exchanged initial goods market access offers before the round.
- Intersessional discussions have been agreed upon to maintain momentum for the next round.