Trade Sec Kemi Badenoch hails major Brexit boost for British businesses as poll reveals public backs new trade deals

THE majority of Brits BACK the government’s post-Brexit trade deals, new polling shows.

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch today hailed a Whitehall survey revealing 67 per cent of the public support deals with countries outside the EU.

Ms Badenoch told The Sun divorcing Brussels has ushered in a major boost for British businesses.

She said: “I’m very pleased to see that the British public supports the Government’s international trade agenda and sees the many benefits of signing new deals with countries around the world.”

Two-thirds of the public say they feel positive about the impact of trade on the UK, up 5 percentage points on last year’s results. 

Since Brexit, ministers have secured deals with 73 countries, as well as the EU – partners that accounted for £1.1 trillion of trade in 2022. 

Recent agreements with Australia and New Zealand are expected to bounce the economy by £2.3 billion and £800 million.

And wages are predicted to go up by £900 million and £200 million respectively, as a result of the deals. 

The UK also recently signed a mega £12trillion agreement with the CPTPP trade block.

Public support for joining the group has risen to its highest level yet, with the polling, carried out by the Public Attitudes Tracker, showing a rise from 46% to 53%. 

Ms Badenoch said: “With our Australia and New Zealand deals coming into force this year, and our agreement with the fast-growing economies of the CPTPP concluded, our trade strategy is allowing Britain to seize brilliant new opportunities for businesses and consumers.” 

Director General of The Institute of Export & International Trade Marco Forgione said: “It is encouraging to see public support for UK free trade agreements has increased.

“It is a crucial time to seize this momentum and support businesses on how they can most effectively make use of these new trade agreements. 

“International trade is a ‘force for good’ and trade agreements stimulate economic growth throughout the UK, create jobs, lower prices for consumers and promote innovation and technological advancement.”