Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden welcomed Brussels’ announcement after months of wrangling over Britain’s status.
He said: “I welcome the publication of these draft decisions which rightly reflect the UK’s commitment to high data protection standards and pave the way for their formal approval.
“Although the EU’s progress in this area has been slower than we would have wished, I am glad we have now reached this significant milestone following months of constructive talks in which we have set out our robust data protection framework.”
The Commission recommended to member states that they allow British businesses to send data to Continent unhindered by red tape.
Brexit timeline (Image: Express)
This month, the UK applied to join the CPTPP on the first anniversary of Britain s official departure from the EU.
This agreement would not require the UK to give up control over its own laws, borders or money unlike the EU.
But former Washington aide and commentator Peter Rough said it would be beneficial for the UK and US to be accepted into the agreement but speculated that the US is unlikely to join.
Washington aide and commentator Peter Rough told Express.co.uk: “I think it’s a great idea for Britain to join, and there’s a lot of momentum and talk in Washington that this would be a great way to counter the Chinese trade bloc, the RCEP [Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership], in South East Asia.
Europe has previously been accused of going soft on the superpower to protect German manufacturers.
And newly-elected US President Joe Biden expressed fury that Brussels had brokered a trade and investment agreement with China.
Ms Truss wants Britain to play an influential role in forcing Beijing to act more responsibly on the world stage.
The Cabinet minister told the top eurocrat she was ready “work hand-in-glove” with Europe and the United States on global trade, especially “tackling China’s appalling behaviour”, a Whitehall insider said.
Trade Secretary Liz Truss and EU vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis (Image: GETTY)
The source added: “It’s really important for nations and blocs that believe in democracy and are pro-trade to work together on the big issues facing global trade – making trade greener, ensuring countries play by the rules and get tough on non-market economies.
ANDREW NEIL has destroyed Project Fear warnings after the pound surged against the US dollar to hit an almost three-year high just weeks after the full completion of Brexit.