PM Scott Morrison set to meet with Boris Johnson to discuss UK free trade deal

A free trade deal with the UK could go ahead as early as next week and it will mean cheaper cheese, Jaguars and scotch for Aussies.

Australians will be able to get cheaper cheese, Jaguars, and scotch and will find it easier to live and work in the UK, if a historic trade agreement goes ahead next week with Scott Morrison meets with Boris Johnson.

But hold off cracking open the Glenfiddich, with Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan warning the deal will be delayed if it’s not in the national interest, with nightly meetings still being held in a bid finalise details.

Getting the best deal for Australian agriculture, particularly Queensland beef, remains one of the key points.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan says a trade deal with the UK will mean more jobs for Queensland. Picture: Getty

Mr Tehan said any deal would send an important message about free trade globally, including to China which continues to press trade sanctions against Australia.

Australia is already taking China to the World Trade Organisation for its actions against barley, and is considering similar moves on wine, but Mr Tehan said he would look at “whatever means available” to address other exports under attack like coal.

Given British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s well-known love of Australian biscuits, Mr Tehan joked he hoped “we will be able to see more Tim Tams in the UK” soon, but there was still work to be done if the agreement-in-principle is to be signed on Tuesday. “We’ve always said we wouldn’t sign up to an agreement we didn’t think was in our national interest,” he said. “We’re in detailed last minute discussions, I’ve spoken with (UK Trade Secretary) Liz Truss nearly daily.”

Mr Tehan said there would be “enormous benefits” for Queensland businesses and jobs if the deal is done.

“Not only will you see an improvement in goods outcomes, agricultural products and others going into the UK, but also that relationship will be deeper with regards to investment and services trade,” he said.

More of these could be headed to the UK if the free trade agreement goes ahead. Picture: Cameron Richardson

While young Australians can currently apply for working visas of up to two years in the UK, Mr Tehan said one point under active discussion was around ways to make it easier to travel and work in each other’s countries.

Opportunities for British businesses could turn to savings for Australians consumers. It works out at about a saving of $3750 on a $75,000 luxury British car, $5 off a $100 bottle of 18-year-old whisky and $4 on $20/kg British blue Stilton cheese.