Macroeconomics: UK economy, IB Economics

Teething problems. Your fault. 

These are some of the message emanating from government as regards delays in dealing with EU markets, and one of the reasons why this represents one of the most serious costs of Brexit. 

Of course, a cynic might suggest that it's an inevitable result of five years of lies. Anyone for "frictionless trade"?

Brexit continues to draw ever closer - and the UK government appear to be relaxing their border controls in the event of a no-deal Brexit. 

I'm amused - clearly this is being sold as an advance in technology and not a cop out, imperilling national security in any way. 

Here we go - the government appear to have secretly purchased a tranche of land from Dover council to permit the building of a customs clearance centre. 

Lots to think about here -opportunity cost, both of building the centre, and the increased costs from trade, and all sorts of other issues - the potential negative externalities, and what such a site foretells. Are the government going to have to do this on many more occasions at locations around the country - such as near to Felixstowe, Southampton, Immingham and so on. 

More good news regarding Brexit: the cost of new customs arrangements is estimated to by up to £20bn. Good news, eh!

Presumably that doesn't apply to those people flying about Europe in private jets - and possibly doesn't include other opportunity costs, such as the cost of employing more customs officials and so on.

Brexit's a story that keeps giving: you might also be amused to note that the first day after our scheduled withdrawal from the EU is? 1 April. I kid you not.