Majority support free trade agreements
Two thirds (66%) of the UK public support free trade agreements, with only 3% saying they are opposed.
皇冠体育appse are the findings of the first wave of the Department for International Trade鈥檚 public attitudes to trade tracker, which was published today.
皇冠体育app public attitudes to trade tracker is a nationally representative survey of 2,400 people across the UK. 皇冠体育app survey will be carried out twice a year to see how public attitudes towards trade change over time.
People most commonly cited improved opportunities, greater choice and cheaper goods as the benefits of free trade agreements.
Support for free trade agreements is highest among respondents that are most interested or knowledgeable about trade.
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said:
This national survey shows overwhelming public support for free trade agreements, which puts us in a strong position as we leave the European Union.
My Department for International Trade has laid the groundwork to make the most of this golden opportunity and we are working to begin trade negotiations with the USA, Australia and New Zealand - as well as negotiating potential CPTPP accession - as soon as we leave the EU.
As part of our open and transparent approach, we will publish a summary of the responses to our public consultation in the coming days.
皇冠体育app UK is seeking new free trade agreements with the USA, Australia and New Zealand, as well as potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
皇冠体育app Department for International Trade has been laying the groundwork for these negotiations including through informal discussions with key trading partners, and is ready to swiftly open trade negotiations after Brexit.
皇冠体育app sixth UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group concluded in London last week (Thursday 11 July). Trade negotiators from the UK and US have now held exploratory discussions on all major policy areas typically covered by free trade agreements.
皇冠体育app government will publish shortly a summary of responses to its consultation on future trade agreements with the US, Australia and New Zealand, as well as potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
皇冠体育app four consultations attracted a total of more than 600,000 responses and were promoted through 12 events in every region and nation of the UK.