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1/ Thread @JLongworthLML John Longworth of Leave Means Leave was on BBC WATO saying that most trade in the world is done on basis of "WTO rules" and that most countries trade with the EU on that basis. Every part of that statement is wrong and betrays breathtaking ignorance.
2/ The UK already trades on "WTO rules", as does every other WTO member, and always has done. It's a requirement of WTO membership. What Longworth seems to mean is "WTO terms", which is quite different: these are the basic MFN commitments made by WTO members.
3/ Not one single country trades on "WTO terms" for the simple reason that they all know that it would be massively disadvantageous and economically damaging. That is why all WTO members have preferential trade agreements with others.
4/ It is equally wrong to say that most countries trade with the EU on "WTO terms". The EU currently has preferential trade arrangements (PTAs) with ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY other countries that provide for lower tariffs. Here is the UK government's list: bit.ly/2KdAHXn
5/ According to the US Congressional Research Service, 70% of EU exports benefited from PTAS in 2008 and the proportion has almost certainly increased since then. That is an advantage that the UK would lose immediately if it moved to "WTO terms".
6/ Even trade with the US, with which the EU has no PTA, is governed by about 20 bilateral agreements covering vital sectors such as air transport. Moving to "WTO terms" without negotiating them would mean that many UK transatlantic flights would be grounded immediately..
7/ With barely nine months to go until B-day `(it sounds even better in French) such negotiations have yet to get seriously under way - like those on replacing more than 750 other EU treaties with third countries that immediately lapse at the same time.
8/ Does Mr Longworth really not know any of this? Or does he know it and is deliberately saying things he knows to be untrue? I am copying this to him and look forward to his answer. If he remains silent or blocks me, the answer will be pretty obvious.
No response from @JLongworthLML yet. But with a weekend coming up, `I'm sure he will find time to explain his views. Not doing so or blocking will mean he can`'t.
