BRITAIN’S first post-Brexit deal with Japan has been hailed as a “landmark moment” by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss.
She said the agreement, a huge boost for an independent Britain, will help us bounce back from the Covid recession.
Brits will be able to snap up cheaper bluefin tuna, kobe beef and udon noodles thanks to the bumper trade deal.
UK farmers will also see tariffs slashed on pork, beef and salmon.
Ms Truss celebrated sealing the deal by giving her Japanese opposite number Toshimitsu Motegi a jar of posh Fortnum and Mason Stilton.
A bizarre row over the pongy cheese nearly derailed the talks earlier this year.
Ms Truss signed the deal in Tokyo, where it was marked with a traditional Japanese carp-feeding ceremony. She said: “Today is a landmark moment for Britain.
“It shows what we can do as an independent trading nation, as we secure modern and bespoke provisions in areas like tech and services that are critical to the future of our country and the reshaping of our economy.
“Trade is a powerful way to deliver the things people really care about. At its heart, this deal is about creating opportunity and prosperity for all parts of our United Kingdom and driving the economic growth we need to overcome the challenges of coronavirus.”
She said the deal will also “strengthen ties with a like-minded democracy, key ally and major investor in Britain”.
It comes as Brexit trade talks reach their final weeks, with the PM’s spokesman saying “time is now very short” to thrash out a deal.
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