b'If index-linked, the figures would be even higher.Many of us underrated the fanaticism of the Federalists in the Commission and the European Parliament. These people take the view that the UK had the temerity to vote for Brexit. In consequence, a punishment beating must be administered. This is to include an old-fashioned IRA knee-capping (the Irish Backstop).In reality, the Irish Backstop is and was a negotiating trap that the UK government fell straight into. The Irish border was never raised at all during the referendum - and for good reason. See: Avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland for Customs control and the free movement of persons.32 9.2. EU penal sanctions are impossible The World Trade Organisation (WTO) ison almost all trade matters. On Brexit, the UK potentially our get-out-of-jailfree card tocan be on the same footing as the other WTO protect our trading interests when we leavenations who are not EU members. More than the EU.that, we can then regain our voice and independent influence. Our WTO membership gives us protection against vexatious members who might try toScare stories that UK exports would suffer penalise or block our exports. When the UKpunitive tariffs at the hands of the EU are leaves the EU, it will still have all the Mostsimply thatscare stories. They are wrong. Favoured Nation (MFN) privileges arisingThis is yet more of the Politics of Fear.from its long-standing membership of the World Trade Organisation. MFN status is key,Some facts:as it means the UK will be treated equally. Under WTO agreements, countries cannot Developed countries tariffs on industrial normally discriminate between their tradingproducts have averaged 3.8% since 2000. partners. Grant one a special favour (such The proportion of imported industrial as a lower customs duty rate for one of theirproducts that receive duty-free (i.e. 0% products) and you must apply the same toduty) treatment in developed countries is all other WTO members. The only exceptionscurrently 44%. are under strict conditions; for example, For important sectors such as information anti-dumpingduties imposed upon goodstechnology products,40 countries exported at an unfair price. Since joining(including the EU), accounting for more the EEC, we have maintained our WTOthan 92% of world trade, eliminated import (previously GATT) membership, but allowedduties and other charges completely some the European Commission to speak on20 years ago. Under Most Favoured Nation behalf of the UK (and other member states)rules, all must benefit.175'