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26 tweets,
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1/ Some thoughts on the UK government's new trade and customs papers (links to texts in the quoted tweet)
2 First, the customs paper - a White Paper for the future Customs Bill. It will cover aspects of tax (VAT and excise tax) as well.
3 The Bill will be closely linked to the trade Bill. Watch to see if the govt tries to give itself power to abolish tariffs unilaterally. 
4 An outline of the content of the future Bill. Note the intention to keep the content of the law generally the same as for EU membership.
5 The question arises whether the same approach will be taken to keeping prior EU law (including ECJ rulings) as in the Withdrawal Bill.
6 Lots of delegated powers for the government - including power to amend Acts of Parliament. Another feast for Henry VIII! 🍺🍗
7 Govt confirms it wants *a* customs union to replace *the* customs union. The swear word "int*rim" is uttered before the Brexit watershed.
8 The two options for the future UK/EU customs relationship are reiterated. The second one is so unicorny the Bill won't even provide for it
9 The more realistic option - which would be based on a customs cooperation deal with the EU.
10 Here's the hardcore "no deal" porn for Brexit extremists - in a brown paper envelope marked "contingency scenario" to get past censors.
11 No discussion of public/private sector costs or feasibility of the no deal scenario. Of course only an enemy of the people would even ask
12 The government can't explicitly admit that "no deal" necessarily means a hard border re Northern Ireland/Ireland. But 5.45 comes close.
13 The earlier paper on Northern Ireland and customs is regurgitated. Summary: Brexit leprechauns gonna Brexit leprechaun.
14 Now the trade paper. A key point: UK wants to negotiate FTAs with non-EU states during the transition period but they won't all apply yet
15 A summary of what the Trade Bill will do. Note the intention to stay part of WTO govt procurement deal. Limits any "Buy British" policy.
16 UK government ❤s rule-based global trade. Pity Trump wants to grab it by the 😿
17 UK still keen on environment goods/trade in services talks between some WTO members. The latter arouses concern re public services impact
18 Fortunately 100% of the UK public trusts the current government won't do anything to damage the NHS in trade deals...😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
19 UK government wants to keep existing FTAs between EU & non-EU countries. Devolved bodies will be asked to consent but what if they don't?
20 The bit about non-economic issues (or "trade and...", if you're a trade geek). Lots of warm words. Luckily Dr Fox is highly ethical...
21 A key point here is parliamentary scrutiny of talks, and approval of final trade deals. On this the paper is...not encouraging
22 Eurosceptics ensured that all amendments to the EU Treaties needed Acts of Parliament. Funny, their enthusiasm for scrutiny has vanished.
23 Details of retaining EU law on trade preferences for developing countries, including the environmental and labour rights aspects.
24 The UK will keep "trade remedies" against "unfair" trade post Brexit. WTO regulates this in detail so not much can change.
25 Key policy point: UK will seek to retain existing EU trade remedy measures that protect UK industries like steel.
26 Overall: the govt doesn't outline any significant changes to status quo of EU membership or any future plans. Busy work for Fox & friends
