Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, responding to the New Zealand Prime Minister’s comments on a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK, said:

“New Zealand is one of our oldest and strongest allies in the southern hemisphere, and of course it is important to look to one’s friends for trading relationships.

“But the Government’s own advice showed that if we leave the Customs Union and negotiate our own trade deals, the UK will need to grow trade with countries outside the EU by 37 percent by 2030. New Zealand currently represents less than 1 percent of UK exports. Today’s announcement is a small step - but it is not a silver bullet for the British economy, which is still lacking a workable plan from the Tories. 

“In particular, Theresa May must be clear about how her government will safeguard small businesses and British farmers if we open ourselves up for competition with New Zealand’s most successful sectors, such as its high-quality dairy industry.”

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