Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has delivered a stinging rebuke to the Labour Party, branding them as 'sore losers' for their continued criticism of the UK's post-Brexit trade deal with Australia.
In a robust defence of the agreement, Badenoch accused Labour of talking down British businesses and attempting to undermine a deal that is already delivering significant benefits to UK exporters. The Secretary of State emphasised that the pact is proving its worth, with official data showing increased market access for British products.
The political confrontation erupted after Shadow Trade Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds reiterated Labour's position that the agreement was poorly negotiated. He claimed the government failed to secure adequate protections for UK farmers and other sectors.
Badenoch fired back, stating: "It's disappointing to see the Labour Party continuing to play politics with our trade relationships. Rather than supporting British businesses that are benefiting from this deal, they choose to be sore losers and talk down our achievements."
Key benefits of the trade deal highlighted by the government include:
- Reduced tariffs on British exports including cars, Scotch whisky, and fashion goods
- Improved market access for UK service providers and professionals
- Enhanced cooperation on digital trade and innovation
- Streamlined customs procedures reducing paperwork for businesses
The Business Secretary pointed to recent trade figures showing increased British exports to Australia across multiple sectors, contradicting claims that the deal has failed to deliver tangible benefits.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political divisions over post-Brexit trade policy, with the government keen to showcase its trade agreements as successes while opposition parties maintain criticism of the terms negotiated.
Badenoch concluded that the government remains focused on expanding trade opportunities globally, with several additional trade agreements in various stages of negotiation.
