Boris Johnson quizzed by Chris Bryant on Brexit and Hancock

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The Trade Secretary has been in hot water after pro-EU publication, “The New European”, claimed British apples will now be able to be exported to India for the first time in 50 years. Commenting on the Enhanced Trade Partnership with India, Ms Truss boasted over the new emerging trade between the two states. She said: “Our apples are now on their way to India for the first time in 50 years, thanks to the Enhanced Trade Partnership.

“Today the UK signed the most advanced trade deal that Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have ever agreed.

“This will slash tariffs and cut red tape.”

However, the pro-European publication claimed the UK had chosen not to export apples to India during its time in the EU.

In May, the UK and India signed a new £1billion investment deal which will herald a new era of private-sector investment.

The deal will also provide opportunities for 3,000 young Indian professionals each year.

A further 6,500 new jobs will also be created around the UK as part of the agreement.

The agreement also included a £240million investment by the Serum Institute of India in the UK into their vaccine business.

Boasting of the deal, Boris Johnson said: “Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer.

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“Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs we have announced today will help families and communities build back from coronavirus and boost the British and Indian economies.

“In the decade ahead, with the help of the new Partnership signed today and a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, we will double the value of our trading partnership with India and take the relationship between our two countries to new highs.”

The UK is also looking to sign a bumper trade deal with the state in what would be a historic agreement for the Government.

It is hoped the deal will cut tariffs of up to 150 percent on whisky and 125 percent on British-made cars.

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Ms Truss said: “We’re firing the starting gun on a free trade deal with India – the world’s largest democracy, fifth biggest economy, a nation of 1.4 billion people and a huge market for British goods like whisky, cars and services.

“We want an agreement that pushes new frontiers in industries of the future and helps us build a greener, more innovative and more services-led economy that will deliver higher-paying jobs across the country.”

As of 2019, trade between UK and India was valued at around £23billion, although it is hoped that will double by 2030.

Ranil Jayawardena, international trade minister said: “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and we share much in common, so we’re natural partners.

“A trade deal will break down barriers, making it easier for British businesses to sell their wares in India – and secure more investment, better jobs, higher wages, more choice and lower prices here at home.”

A trade deal with India is seen as part of the UK’s wider strategy of tilting back towards the Asia-Pacific region.

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