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So we're clear on the argument here: the logic (and it's not just Tice who does this) is that because we import *anything* from countries on WTO rules, therefore we could do *all trade* on WTO rules /1
The problem here is that they're arguing against a strawman (the idea that going to WTO rules would stop a trade). The actual argument is that WTO rules raise barriers to trade that impact time (to shelves) and price of goods /2
Going from highly aligned and integrated free trade (Single Market) to WTO doesn't stop all trade, it significantly raises the barriers to trade /3
We'll still be able to import food but it'll be more expensive and the time constraints will make it much harder to import in *sufficiently large* amounts /4
Again, the issue is not "no more food imports" but rather "we'll have major difficulties bringing in all the food we typically consume as a country" /5
Again, this might not even mean one type of food (bananas say) being completely unavailable but instead a reduction in choice as some import roots become unviable /6
Yes, we import food from many parts of the world but it's in much smaller quantities than from the EU (or countries with EU FTAs) and the time constraints of the extra checks is factored in from the start /7
All the new checks that will be required if we go onto WTO terms with massively clog up ports which simply aren't designed for anything more than frictionless (no checks) trade - it's here that food will be left to rot and from here that we'll get shortages /8
Now, WTO advocates say that we can just unilaterally drop checks. And sure, we can. But how long until something gets through, causing a spate of illnesses? Countries check these things for a good reason - to protect the health and wellbeing of their citizens /9
In short, yes you can trade on WTO terms, so of course you see goods on supermarkets imported on that basis, but you can't trade *well* and not to the level that we need /10
Put another way, if WTO poses no problems at all, just what do you think Free Trade Agreements are for? /end
