Minister hails ‘historic moment’ as UK secures free trade agreement with Japan

The UK has secured its first major post-Brexit trade deal after reaching an agreement with Japan which will boost trade by an estimated £15 billion. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said it was a “historic moment” for the two countries which will bring “new wins” for British businesses in the manufacturing, food and drink, and technology industries. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was agreed in principle by Ms Truss and Japan’s foreign minister Motegi Toshimitsu in a video call on Friday morning. Negotiations began in June – with most talks happening remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. A final text of the agreement is likely to be published in October....