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<p>The Government is seeking to deliver continuity of existing international agreements
as we leave the EU.</p><p>The EU has agreed to notify third countries that, during
the implementation period, the UK is treated as an EU member state for the purposes
of international agreements. This includes all EU international agreements, including
free trade, and trade-related agreements. This provides a basis for continuity across
all such agreements during this period.</p><p>In parallel, we’ve been engaging with
third countries to identify which agreements are relevant, important and need action.
Where this is the case, we are working with them to put in place successor agreements
that replicate the effects of existing agreements as far as possible and which will
come into force following the implementation period or on exit in the event of a ‘no
deal’ scenario. The Secretary of State recently deposited information in the House
Library on those international agreements which have already been signed and those
which we expect to sign shortly. A number of these agreements include trade-related
elements; for example the Trade in Wine Agreement with Australia, and Mutual Recognition
Agreements with Australia and New Zealand. There are other agreements where the UK
is seeking to ensure readiness by the end of March 2019. The precise number will depend
on ongoing discussions with third countries, and we will provide a further update
on these other agreements after technical discussions have concluded.</p>
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