UK expected to offer post-Brexit trade deal to Australia

Gradual tariff-free deal will be victory for free-trade Brexiters but is likely to alarm UK farmers

UK ministers are expected to offer Australia a trade deal that will gradually eliminate all tariffs and quotas, one seen as a victory for free-trade Brexiters in the cabinet but is likely to prompt alarm among UK farmers.

Downing Street did not deny reports on Friday that the likely offer to Australia would be a transition to zero quotas and tariffs over 15 years, although it insisted discussions were still taking place.