Boris Johnson: countries “queuing up” for post-Brexit trade deals

Countries are “queuing up” to negotiate trade deals with Britain as it commences the process to withdraw from the European Union (EU), Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said.

The former London Mayor also maintained that the UK will not be “hauling up the drawbridge” with regards to immigration, seeming a little at odds with the hardline message forwarded by Prime Minister May yesterday.

Writing in a section for the Daily Telegraph, Mr Johnson stated the following regarding Brexit:

“We will no longer be part of the common commercial policy, or bound by the Common External Tariff, and we will no longer have our trade policy run by the EU commission”, echoing Prime Minister May’s speech regarding the countries position with regards to the single market.

“That means – crucially – that we will be able to do new free trade deals with countries around the world. They are already queuing up” he continued.

This follows the U.S President-elect Donald Trump’s first interview with a British newspaper publication, in which the businessman praised Brexit as a “great” development for the country. Mr Trump also highlighted his eagerness to negotiate a trade deal with Britain after he takes office, in line with Mr Johnson’s assertion of the wealth of trade opportunities available.

In addition, despite Boris Johnson’s own pro-Brexit campaigning stance in the run up to the June referendum, he also emphasised a commitment to “share European values”.

On the topic of immigration and travel, Mr Johnson appeared softer on the issue compared to the Prime Minister, who as her time as Home Secretary ardently pursued stricter immigration regulations, and this has been reflected in her first major Brexit speech of 2017.

Mr Johnson said, “We will continue the joyous exploration of other European culture and civilisation that has been expanding ever since the dawn of cheap air travel, and we will continue to welcome vast numbers of EU tourists to the UK.

“We are not slamming the door to migrants, or hauling up the drawbridge.” He added.

The former journalist also praised the Prime Minister for her “powerful and ambitious vision” for Britain.

A breakdown of the key points of Prime Minister May’s first major speech of 2017 and clarification of her vision for Brexit can be found here.