Wednesday saw Britain turn the page to a new chapter of optimism and success. Our new Prime Minister embodies a nation with renewed self-confidence, one that’s not afraid to do things differently. And there couldn’t be a better example of that than trade. For too long, Britain has been tied to an inward-looking, protectionist EU bloc.

When countries make it harder for products to come in from overseas, prices are kept high, which is bad for families trying to make ends meet. What’s more, other countries retaliate with high tariffs, making it harder for businesses to export and succeed.

So as we leave the EU, we’re going to strike the free-trade deals that will open up new markets for our products, and give people access to a greater variety of goods and services from across the globe. I couldn’t be more delighted to have been made International Trade Secretary to drive forward that vital part of making Brexit a success.

Since I arrived at the department, I’ve been impressed with the world-class negotiators we have got, and I want to unleash their skills to deliver for the British people.

We will maintain existing trade agreements but also seize new opportunities – with Commonwealth countries, with which we share so much history, as well as with our other long-standing partners and a range of exciting new markets that are calling out for British products.

My department has already locked in deals covering £85 billion worth of trade, which will apply whether we leave the EU with a deal or without one on October 31.