Shawdesh Desk:

The UK has agreed a free trade deal with New Zealand which it says will benefit consumers and businesses, reports BBC.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal will cut costs for exporters and open up New Zealand’s job market to UK professionals.

The government hopes it is a step towards joining a trade club with the likes of Canada and Japan.

Labour and the National Farmers Union (NFU) said the deal could hurt UK farmers and lower food standards.

Mr Johnson and New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, agreed the pact in a video call on Wednesday after 16 months of negotiations.

Tariffs will be removed on UK goods including clothing, ships and bulldozers, and on New Zealand goods including wine, honey and kiwi fruits.

Professionals such as lawyers and architects will be able to work in New Zealand more easily, the government said.