Brexit bonus

On Tuesday, the much delayed inport inspections on goods from the EU were due to be introduced, fully.

These are the controls that should have been in place since November 2019, or at least from January 31st 2021, once the TransitionAgreement between Great Britain and the EU expired.

France had its border infrastructure in place for the end of 2019, as it knew and publically accepted this is what the UK, or Britain anyway, meant in leaving the SM and CU.

Meanwhile in the UK, then PM, Boris Johnson, was still denying any kind of paperwork or new infrastructure would be needed for his oven ready Brexit deal.

But it did.

So, at thelast minute a huge area outside Ashford was bought using emergency legislation, and the Inland Border Facility was built.

Then nothing happened.

It was used mostly for fleeing Ukranians bringing their pets with them to check said pets.

Any actual inspections and paperwork was deemed to inflationary, in tat they would increase prices of fresh meat, vegetable and fruit.

Now that is partly in place, though many vehicles were just waved through as the software failed, paperwork and costs for consignments were introduced, and costs being capped at £135 per truck. But these are costs on tops of other costs, paperwork and delays, meaning for many businesses, there is no profit in importing food any more, this will result in reduced choice on the shelves, and many specialist food suplliers and shops going out of business.

Even JRM addmitted such checks were going to add costs to the nation's food bills and delayed them.

But the Inland Border Facility is 15 miles from Dover. A lorry or truck would have to drive from the port to the facility, be inspected, and then if refused entry, drive back down the M20 back to Dover to get a return ferry. Passing many laybys and other places where the consignment could be unloaded and taken by a different van. No one would know.

There is no special lane on the M20, just a massive hole where criminals could import sub-standard food into the country and get away with it.

This is taking back control, apparently. Something to add huge costs, reduce choice, destry jobs and ease the import of conterfit goods into the country.

I have no words.

Brexit is Brexit.