Boris Johnson’s chief negotiator said resolving the issue is “the most urgent and pressing problem” facing UK trade.

       Speaking at the Margaret Thatcher Conference On Trade, he said: “When we discuss trade in this country, we must not forget that our most urgent and pressing problem, an issue of the highest national interest, is to make sure we can trade freely within our own country.

       “I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

       Lord Frost said Britain is reaping the benefits of freeing itself from the EU as it is “fully in control of its external tariffs” and is controlling its trade policy.