We should put Australia at the top of our trade list, say Britons

“The public are right to have faith in a deal. It will boost exports from whisky to services, supporting jobs here at home, and mean more choice on our supermarket shelves.

“A deal will help lock in our divergence from the EU and pivot Britain towards faster-growing markets in Asia Pacific.”

Dr Michael Turner, a fellow at the Adam Smith Institute, said: “Brits clearly believe in the core benefits of free trade, but also the ability of British farmers and businesses to seize the opportunity that a UK-Australia trade deal will provide. 

“Brits back British farmers to compete and grow their businesses, and a majority say they feel British goods will be in high demand down under. From Tim Tams to Cornish pasties, Aussie beef to British cheese, the results show consumers in both countries have a healthy and reciprocal appetite to consume goods made in each other’s countries.

“Contrary to the popular narrative of the inward-looking and protectionist Brexit voter, this research shows that the overwhelming majority of those who voted to Leave the EU in 2016, are in fact supportive of a more outwardly-focused and freely trading Britain post-Brexit. 

“Not only are Leavers more likely than Remainers to understand the benefits of free trade, but they are also less likely than Remainers to want industries protected from competition through tariff hikes.”

The imminent trade deal between the UK and Australia is seen as a crucial stepping stone towards joining the wider Asia-Pacific bloc. 

Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, could sign an agreement in principle as soon as this week, when he arrives in Britain for the G7 summit.