So...govt has to concede that most mussel, oyster, clam and cockles - bivalve molluscs - can’t now go to EU, “bringing an end to this traditional and valuable trade” - a move U.K. says is “unacceptable”, but admits can’t stop. /1 https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/uk-shellfish-exports-environment-secretarys-commons-statement-8-february-2020

It seems as if @DefraGovUK @MPGeorgeEustice has been advised it would be OK...but now EU has advised not. They are trying to fix with Shellfish Association of Great Britain @SAGB /2

The tone of this statement slightly reminds me of that letter that a slightly sheepish @DavidGHFrost wrote to the car makers admitting defeat on asking EU for cross-cumulating rules of origin so Japanese car parts. /3

https://www.ft.com/content/4fa4732b-877b-4994-bfc4-c8ae1cd80a78

There may well be more EGs of these - EU taking a hard 'third country' line that will make the govt look impotent, rather than 'in control'....but that will only poison the well, not - as some might hope - create a change of heart. ENDS