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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Lizzy Buchan

Brexiteer Tory moans about 'monstrous' forms that Brit firms now have to fill in

A Brexiteer Tory has claimed it is "monstrous" for British businesses to have to fill in forms to trade with the EU.

Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne moaned about the added bureaucracy caused by the UK's departure from the bloc in a fiery contribution in the Commons.

Boris Johnson has repeatedly claimed he "got Brexit done" but there have been ongoing issues for firms caused by sweeping changes to trading rules.

Businesses have faced extra red tape on the trade of goods and services since Brexit as the UK is no longer bound to the EU.

Speaking in the Commons, Sir Demsond said: "UK aid promoted trade in Africa by making borders seamless through digitising all the administrative processes.

Former Tory Minister Sir Desmond Swayne (steve back)

"Is that on our agenda for trade with the EU at all? It's monstrous that we're filling in forms."

Trade minister Mike Freer replied: "We aim to have the best border in place by 2025."

SNP Business spokesperson Stephen Flynn told the Mirror: "While it's good to finally see some Tories wake up to the reality of their own disastrous Brexit, it would be better if they channelled their anger into pushing their bosses for support for businesses – which are struggling in the face of a Tory cost-of-living crisis and the long-term economic damage caused by Brexit.”

Sir Desmond, a staunch Brexiteer, once appeared to fall asleep in the Commons when Tory grandee Ken Clarke gave a speech attacking the Government's Brexit legislation.

He later blamed an early morning swim in the Serpentine for his lack of attention.

Sir Desmond previously raised eyebrows when he suggested voters should be able to elect racists and misogynists if they wanted to.

The New Forest West West MP, who previously “blacked up” as soul singer James Brown for a fancy dress party, told the Commons last year that he hoped his constituents would never elect a racist or a misogynist - but he defended their right to do so.

Speaking during a debate triggered by Boris Johnson's attempts to rip up sleaze rules, he said: "The principle of democracy is undermined by the requirement that we may be required to subscribe to behaviours to promote certain attitudes.

"I hope that my constituents never elect a racist or a misogynist, but they have a right to do so."

At the time, a Downing Street spokesman said the PM had not seen the comments but said Mr Johnson had made it clear that "there was no place for racism whatsoever in our society and that remains his position".

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