Mr Johnson responded by asking Mr Blackford “why is he so frightened of free trade?” and signalled he would back a deal that lowered the tariffs,which currently apply to Australia’s agricultural imports.
The long-mooted free trading pact islargely complete and due to be signed when Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits Britain in June for the G7 summit,but has been hit by a major dispute at the highest levels of the British government.
“I will back Britain’s farmers and Welsh farmers in exporting their fantastic lamb around the world,” Mr Johnson said to another question on the floor of Parliament.
Mr Johnson’s cabinet is split between those who think a true free trade deal should sweep away all tariffs and quotas,and others who fear an influx of Australian meat will harm British farmers and want caps on how much fresh food can be imported into Britain.
National Farmer Union of England and Wales president Minette Batters said this week that higher animal welfare and environmental standards put British farmers at a disadvantage compared to Australian producers,whom she implied enjoy a less rigorous and costly regulation.
“The British government faces a choice. It must recognise that opening up zero-tariff trade on all imports of products such as beef and lamb means British farming,working to its current high standards,will struggle to compete,” Ms Batters said.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan said he was making “good progress” in negotiations and that Australian farmers are “world leaders when it comes to food safety,traceability,animal welfare standards,land management and environmental management”.