Theresa May said that the UK could become ‘the global leader in free trade’ as she faced calls to clarify the government's post-Brexit vision. Making a G20 summit statement, the PM refused to give a running commentary or ‘reveal our hand prematurely’ after Australia and the UK began preliminary discussions about a new trade deal. The Australian trade minister predicted an agreement between the countries. But, with the UK unable to sign deals while still in the EU, he said an agreement would not happen until the UK left the EU in 2019. Australia is earmarked as the first potential new trade partner for the UK once it leaves the EU. Addressing MPs, Mrs May said that India, Mexico, South Korea and Singapore were also keen to remove trade barriers. She pledged to ‘think through the issues in a sober and considered way. So we will not take decisions until we are ready.’