Australia wants free trade zone with UK

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told his British counterpart Theresa May he would like to see the two countries strike a free trade deal as soon as possible following Britain’s vote to leave the EU, May’s office said on Sunday.

The two leaders had spoken on Saturday to discuss their priorities after May took office on Wednesday and Turnbull retained power a week ago in a national election.

Turnbull had congratulated May, her office said in a statement, and “expressed a desire to strike a free trade deal as soon as possible”.

While acknowledging that legal obligations prevent Britain from signing deals while still an EU member, May had replied she would be very keen to complete an agreement as soon as possible, the statement said.