Brexit - Gove Admits Red Tape Lies

So, Brexit boosters, how many of you swallowed the claim that leaving the EU would mean cutting red tape for businesses? Every one answering in the affirmative has been taken for a mug. Because that claim was yet another among the litany of lying in which the Leave campaigns indulged. And now that it’s too late to do anything about it, that Primus Inter Pares of political liars, Michael “Oiky” Gove, has admitted it. While lying a little more.

Someone just smelled burning

And even the BBC has reported this late admission, though not the previous claims. “There will be ‘bumpy moments’ for UK businesses and travellers as they get to grips with new EU rules, says government minister Michael Gove. He said there would be ‘practical and procedural changes’ when the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December”.

Yebbut new passports. Which aren't actually blue

There is more. “Mr Gove also urged people going to the EU to make extra checks, including looking at mobile phone roaming charges and passport expiry dates”. The return of mobile phone roaming charges when out of the UK, which was previously derided as no more than a manifestation of “Project Fear”. Now he admits it wasn’t.

Gove “warned businesses that time was ‘very short’ to make the final preparations before the transition period ends … Businesses have been urged to make sure they understand the new rules on importing and exporting goods, including the different rules that apply to trade with Northern Ireland, and to consider how they will make customs declarations on EU trade”. Customs declarations - so more red tape for businesses.

Ian Dunt was less than totally impressed. “Incredible argument from Gove that Brexit makes sure exporters are ‘match fit’ for global trade - basically that the government is making it so hard to trade with our closest partner that now they'll be trained to trade all over the place”. And the red tape will impose itself on more than one level.

That was picked up by Ian Birrell: “It was claimed endlessly that Brexit would slash bureaucracy & red tape. Now look at the complex new bureaucratic infrastructure that has been agreed by Johnson with a Partnership Council, 19 specialised committees & 4 working groups”. And there will still be a role for the European Court of Justice.

On costs, Peter Stefanovic was also unimpressed. “‘It’s a good deal’ Michael Gove tells #BBCBreakfast who fail to point out it's cost the country £200bn, robbed British citizens of free movement & made everyone but his millionaire chums poorer for years to come”, adding “BBC viewers obviously don’t need to know this”. Ho ho ho.

Meanwhile, Denis MacShane spotted another whopper. “First Brexit fib of the day from Michael Gove to [Nick Robinson] that Brexit allows UK to create free ports. There are free ports all over Europe. UK had them but last one closed in 2012 as they don’t work very well”. Gove’s claim on being able to tackle inequality was another lie.

“Michael Gove fails to explain how being inside the EU prevented Conservative governments from tackling inequality, when questioned on Today. Not a single example. Because the main levers - public services and tax - have always been at national level” noted Jennifer Rankin. Yet “Oiky” was not called out on air for any of his fibs.

When will Brexiteers realise they’ve been had? It’s all getting just a little bit obvious.

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