The cabbage myth returns: EU cabbage regulations don’t have 26,911 words
There are not 26,911 words in EU cabbage regulations. It’s an urban legend which dates back to 1951. Read
Fact checks
Europe
We do fact checks and explain news from Europe and the UK's links with it, so you can understand the big stories.
Europe
What’s a free port, and does the EU have them?
Free ports (areas within countries where import tariffs don’t apply) exist within the EU, but in a more limited form than elsewhere in the world. Read
Fact checks
Europe
Lamb exports to Japan aren’t due to EU trade deal
It’s incorrect to say we can only export lamb to Japan because of the EU-Japan trade deal. It’s because Japan lifted a ban on lamb imports from the UK. Read
Fact checks
Europe
There’s no solid evidence to support this Brexit Party MEP’s claim about fishermen’s nets
Ann Widdecombe made a claim about fishing regulation during her maiden speech at the EU parliament saying they’d reduced income by 40%. Read
Fact checks
Europe
Boris Johnson’s kipper claim is a red herring
Boris Johnson claimed that EU regulation required kipper sellers to pack kippers in ice. This is not an EU regulation – it is UK regulation. Read
Fact checks
Europe
Old claim about Brexit economic boost resurfaces
A claim that a new analysis shows the UK will be £135 billion richer after Brexit is based on an old report from Economists for Free Trade. Most other economists think the UK will be worse off. Read
Fact checks
Europe
The GATT with nine lives: revisiting Article 24 again
There was a heated discussion during the Conservative leadership debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt about GATT 24. No matter how many times the claim is repeated, the facts remain the same. Read
Analysis
Europe
The withdrawal agreement is not a trade deal with the EU
The withdrawal agreement only sets the immediate terms of the UK’s exit from the EU. The future trading relationship would need to be negotiated once the UK has left. Read
Fact checks
The ITV Conservative Leadership Debate, factchecked
On Tuesday night, the latest televised leadership debate between Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson took place on ITV. This article looks at the facts behind their claims. Read
Analysis
Europe
Do MEPs get to vote for the new President of the European Commission?
The President of the European Commission is nominated by the European Council, but must be approved by a majority of MEPs too. Read
Fact checks
