UK begins talks to join Asia-Pacific CPTPP trade treaty

Move is key part of Liz Truss's plan to pivot trade away from Europe after Brexit

The UK is beginning negotiations to join a free trade alliance with Asia-Pacific countries, a key part of its attempts to pivot trade away from Europe after Brexit.

Britain will hold virtual talks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), strengthening trade links with the 11 countries in the group, which represent a market of 500 million people.