Profile picture
, 3 tweets, 1 min read
My Authors
Read all threads
Few observations about reaction to one of most important fall-outs from Brexit so far & for future:
1) so many Leavers just totally dismiss it
2) so much of "national" media appears disinterested
3) so many Tories have infantile grasp of trade concepts & even worse of devolution
In fact: some Tories are effectively arguing for a "UK internal market" that is rigidly centralised, intolerant of difference & antagonistic to devolution. But I thought we were against superstates that crush local freedom? By comparison, "Brussels" looks like a cuddly kitten.
Though to be fair: also surprised by number of sensible people who think this is just some special interest issue, only relevant to Scotland or Wales. This is a major constitutional innovation for entire UK, being done by Johnson in a total rush, with little debate or scrutiny...
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh.

Keep Current with Michael Dougan

Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

Twitter may remove this content at anytime, convert it as a PDF, save and print for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video

1) Follow Thread Reader App on Twitter so you can easily mention us!

2) Go to a Twitter thread (series of Tweets by the same owner) and mention us with a keyword "unroll" @threadreaderapp unroll

You can practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @mdouganlpool see all

Profile picture
Michael Dougan
@mdouganlpool
What questions would I be asking, about UK Internal Market White Paper, if I were working for Scottish or Welsh Governments?

Certainly something to think about over coming days / weeks, but for now, a few ideas for reflection:
1) This whole issue has been rushed because of Johnson's refusal to extend transition. It's a fundamental, complex and sensitive issue. Needs negotiation, careful thought and consensus. Instead: Johnson has made it "urgent" & risks imposing London solution against others' will
2) White Paper lacks sufficient detail to be amenable to rigorous analysis: some major issues are sketched out only roughly; other major issues are virtually glossed over entirely. May be because Johnson has artificially made it "urgent". But not good, for something so important
Read 10 tweets
Profile picture
Michael Dougan
@mdouganlpool
Internal Market White Paper: been asked for worked out egs... OK, but bear in mind: only proposals, not legal text!

Will use two hypothetical egs
1) Scotland enacts minimum price for alcohol
2) Scotland bans single use plastics
Q = can they be enforced against English imports?
1) minimum price for alcohol is generally regarded as form of product requirement directly relating to lawful sale of relevant goods - much like composition or packaging or labelling. I.e. this isn't some mere ancillary trading rule like method of transport or advertising.
Under White Paper, mutual recognition applies to all product requirements - so English alcohol shouldn't have to comply with Scottish minimum pricing, even in Scottish shops. So far, much like EU law. But here's the crucial difference: EU rule = only presumption, not absolute...
Read 8 tweets
Profile picture
Michael Dougan
@mdouganlpool
Important proposals contained in White Paper on UK Internal Market – fundamental for entire future economic and democratic governance of UK: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl… .

Serious proposals that deserve detailed analysis. Some initial thoughts from me in this short thread:
1) UKGov accepts obvious: leaving EU creates situation in which new regulatory barriers to trade will arise across UK; & existing project on “common frameworks” is not enough to address issue. Need more general understanding of challenge and more horizontal model to address it.
2) For that purpose UKGov adopts crucial starting assumption. Any regulatory divergence that creates barrier to intra-UK trade = inherently problematic: economically undesirable; might affect foreign trade deals. “Essential” goal = to maintain “frictionless trade” across whole UK
Read 16 tweets

Embed code for your website

×
Follow Us on Twitter!

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!

This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3.00/month or $30.00/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!