Brexit latest: Fury as Brussels ‘plays hardball’ in new export revenge plot | Politics | News

The EU is said to have banned the import of plants that have grown in British soil in what is likely to be a devastating hit to the British horticulture industry that is now facing losing millions of pounds. This is due to prices rising in UK garden centres by 20 percent and also jobs being at risk as businesses now face harsh inspection fees for even shipping packets of seeds or tree saplings. Joe Sharman, a man known simply as “Mr Snowdrop” and is one of the biggest growers in the UK, shared his devastation at his business being almost destroyed by the new EU regulations.

He said he expects to lose around £100,000 this year and other years due to the new rules

He told the Mail on Sunday: “This is Brussels playing hardball.

“They’re ticking every box and crossing every T.

“Last year, there were no restrictions for us, but at one minute past midnight on January 1 we became toxic.”

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove blasted the EU regulations for threatening UK horticultural trade.

He said: “It does not threaten the integrity of the EU single market to have bulbs ordered from a wholesaler in Scotland or England, which will then be planted in a garden in Belfast or Ballymena.”

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8.08am update: ‘It’s a CON!’ Britons react with fury after Biden puts brakes on post-Brexit trade deal

Katherine Tai, President Biden’s top trade nominee, slammed the brakes on the talks, pointing to a lot of “developments” since they began in 2018 and the priority of defeating the Covid-19 threat. She said there was a need to “review the discussions and the negotiations so far, in the light of all of these developments”.

But Washington’s new position, reported by Express.co.uk, sparked outrage in the UK with many critics questioning the so-called “Special Relationship” between Britain and the US.

One furious Express.co.uk reader said: “Tell them to stick their trade deal where the sun doesn’t shine!

“It’s not a trade deal! It’s a CON! We always end up giving more and receiving less and receiving inferior substandard goods. Plus being ripped off!”

Another said: “It’s high time to review our relationship with the US, no more lap dog attitude.

“It’s time for the UK to make its own decisions, special relationship has always been one way.”

Another reader said: “Ignore this man, the American economy is failing and he needs trade. He will be over-ruled by his government.”