Canny British officials SWERVE strict EU laws banning pre-Brexit trade talk with Australia

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Canny British politicians found a way round strict EU laws banning formal trade chats pre-Brexit

Australian officials yesterday appeared to deliver a blow to Britain’s Brexit plans by announcing negotiations on a free trade deal could not legally take place until after the EU exit has been finalised.

But Express.co.uk learnt a working group has already been set up between Britain and Australia so an informal deal can be drawn up and ready to sign as soon as the UK’s divorce from Brussels is complete.

Steven Ciobo, Australia’s Foreign Minister, said he received advice formal Brexit chats would be “illegal” but said he hoped negotiations would be conducted “efficiently and promptly” in the New Year.

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However, according to the Department for International Trade’s website, a meeting of the Australia-UK trade working group, fronted by Lord Price, is scheduled to take place later this year – before Theresa May will have even invoked Article 50.

Express.co.uk asked the Department for International Trade if it was legal for that meeting to take place.

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Australian Foreign Minister Steven Ciobo has spoken warmly of future trade deals with Britain

A spokeswoman responded: “Formal discussions can’t be done, but there’s nothing stopping informal discussions and, indeed, they are already in place.”

The British-Australian trade deal is thought to take around a year to set up, so starting so early could mean it will be ready to go as soon as Brexit becomes official.

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Informal chats are already taking place with Australia to get Britain the best possible trade deal

Australia is likely to become a key ally to Britain post-Brexit, with Mr Ciobo doing nothing to disguise his desire to work closely with Brexit Minister Liam Fox.

He said: “When Britain formally leaves we hope to be in a position to secure an agreement as efficiently and promptly as possible.” 

Canberra officials want the deal to include privileged access to UK labour markets for its workers as well as allowing Australian financial service companies to expand into the UK. 

In return, British travellers appear likely to receive “working holiday visas” to Australia quicker than the current system allows.