17/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - ECR at EP welcomes shift to free trade negotiations. On behalf of the conservative group (ECR) at the European Parliament, Emma McClarkin welcomed the decision made by EU and Australian leaders on Sunday 15 November, to begin preparatory work on negotiations for a free trade agreement (see EUROPE 11431). McClarkin said: “I am pleased that both New Zealand and now Australia are on board when it comes to negotiating free-trade deals. Negotiating a trade deal will reaffirm that relationship to the benefit of both… We must ensure, however, that we make this a worthwhile deal and therefore I hope that the scoping exercise will conclude that the negotiations have to be deep and comprehensive”. She also highlighted the benefits a comprehensive agreement would bring to British companies. (EH)