Thread by @AnnaJerzewska

I'd actually like to elaborate on that answer.

I think most of the current "teething" problems are a direct result of the UK Gov CHOOSING NOT TO be clear about the new non-tariff barriers for the last 5 years.

/1

https://twitter.com/AnnaJerzewska/status/1349409860031565828

These are niche issues but not that niche - it was a clear choice to pretend like they don't exist and focus on the sunny uplands.

/2

HMRC and DEFRA have done a fair job trying to communicate the upcoming changes in the second half of 2020 (perhaps the tone could have been more urgent).

But by then it was too late (plus everyone was pre-occupied with covid)

/3

5 year of "fantastic, tariff-free deal", "throw your paperwork in the bin and give me a call" and other such, I don't know what to call it, propaganda?

Where was the - "look we voted for this, things will have to change, there will be new barriers and we all need to adapt"?

/4

He says "we've been made a fool of" and I'm pretty sure the reason he feels that way isn't necessarily that there are new barriers but that 1) the industry wasn't ready for them cause 2) they weren't informed.

/5

https://twitter.com/LochfyneLangous/status/1349381418804195328

If you keep telling ppl there won't be any red tape, that the deal you signed means no non-tariff barriers don't be surprised they are seriously ticked off when they realise that non of it was true.

/6

A classic example of overpromising and underdelivering, which is never a good idea.

It still gets me and I still get upset by this because it all could have been handled so much better.

/7

Same as with covid, it didn't have to end up being such a mess. And it's just a real shame.

/end