MP Richard Thomson challenges Brexit Minister over customs rules and red tape
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Gordon MP Richard Thomson challenged the new Minister for Brexit Opportunities And Government Efficiency over an estimated £15billion-worth of increased costs for businesses as a result of leaving the EU.
Speaking in the House Of Commons at Cabinet Office Questions, Mr Thomson said: “The Government have touted their so-called Brexit Freedoms Bill as a means of cutting up to £1billion-worth of red tape, yet Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs estimates that new customs rules resulting from Brexit could lead to increased costs for businesses of up to £15billion each year.
“Is it not the case that the only cuts to red tape that have been made since Brexit have been the repeated cutting of red tape lengthways to create many more miles of the stuff than ever existed when we were part of the EU?”
The new Minister for Brexit Opportunities And Government Efficiency Jacob Rees-Mogg in responses stated that it was important not to “impose red tape on ourselves” but gave nothing by way of indication how he intended to reduce the existing burden on businesses.
Commenting after the exchange, Richard Thomson MP said: “Jacob Rees-Mogg failed to admit the difficulties that have arisen for so many sectors as a direct result of the Brexit deal he campaigned for.
“Firms have been warning the UK Government about the impact of customs delays, soaring costs, red tape and a reduced workforce – but unfortunately people like Jacob Rees-Mogg continue to bury their head in the sand.
“A year on from Scotland being dragged out the EU, trade changes and the damaging impacts are continuing to pile up as many of the changes that have been delayed start to take effect.
"We must be able to take control of our own affairs and ensure Scottish businesses have access once again to a level playing field with our trading neighbours in Europe.”
