95% of UK businesses do not trade with the EU

[Suff]

Interesting statement that isn't it. I know this but most people don't. I was reading the Express article on the French talking about the major disruption in the EU fishing businesses if the UK leaves without a deal and denies the EU fishing fleets access to UK waters.

Whilst I'm aware of the 95% situation I thought I'd go and find an article which discusses it. To my amusement, the best article I found with least effort was the BBC.

In this article it addresses the claims. Interesting that Remain tried to use big numbers to influence the people. Over 200,000 they trumpeted.

How many businesses are there in the UK?? 5.4 million!

It is a think to keep in mind. Whilst large trade is heavily linked to the EU, medium to small trade is heavily UK biased.

[Workingman]

Straws...clutch...hang on tightly.

Percentages can be used to frame a position, but what about the real numbers?

How many people do those in the 6% trading with the EU employ directly and in their supply chains? What is their value to the balance of trade figures? What would the UK's GDP, a poor metric but one often used, look like if that trade ended?

Will Bev's pie and peas stand or Kieth's imperial widgets be able to take up the slack?

BTW 6% of 5.4m is 324,000. Just saying.

As for Brexit Central - the Express - and its 'War!' type headline. That obviously plays well with the Leaver threats of riots and civil war should their beloved no-deal be lost. It is a form of sedition and should not be tolerated.

[Suff]

You didn't quite read the article. The actual figure Leave worked on was 4% but they gave (leeway), for changes. Remain, on the other hand, quoted 200,000.

Just keeping it real. Something which has not been going on to date.

[Workingman]

Of course I read the article, that's where the 6% figure comes from. It is right there at the top of the page just below the headline. It is also where the 200,000 comes from.

These two claims are designed to suggest opposite messages:

* Britain Stronger in Europe wants you to think that lots of UK businesses trade with Europe
* Vote Leave wants you to think it's only a small proportion