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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Peter Walker Political correspondent

Watchdog reprimands Tories over £800bn post-Brexit trade deals claim

Michael Gove was one of those who shared the infographic.
Michael Gove was one of those who shared the infographic. Photograph: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/PA

The official statistics watchdog has reprimanded the Conservatives for claiming the UK had secured £800bn in “new free trade deals” since leaving the EU, saying the figure includes deals rolled over from before Brexit.

The UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) said it had written to the Tories about the infographic, shared last month by Michael Gove among others, also warning that the party should provide sources for such figures in the future.

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