No-deal Brexit: Tariffs to be scrapped on most imports as government finally reveals secret plan, putting UK jobs at risk

Tariffs will be scrapped or slashed on almost all imports after a no-deal Brexit – threatening job losses in UK firms – and there will be no checks at the Irish border, it has been announced.

The government’s secret unilateral plan was finally published just hours before MPs are given the chance to veto the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal.

Levies will still be charged on beef, lamb, pork and poultry and some dairy products, to protect UK farmers, and on some products including finished vehicles and ceramics.

Tariffs will be scrapped or slashed on almost all imports after a no-deal Brexit – threatening job losses in UK firms – and there will be no checks at the Irish border, it has been announced.

The government’s secret unilateral plan was finally published just hours before MPs are given the chance to veto the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal.

Levies will still be charged on beef, lamb, pork and poultry and some dairy products, to protect UK farmers, and on some products including finished vehicles and ceramics.

Industry leaders fear being undercut by competition from emerging economies, such as China and Brazil, from which – unlike EU imports – tariffs are currently levied.

At the Irish land border, an “honesty box” will see businesses expected to self-report the movement of goods, with an online system for VAT payments.

The move is seen as the only way to avoid border posts and checks – despite the risk of a smugglers’ paradise and severe damage to Northern Irish farms and businesses.

(THEINDEPENDENT)