Michael Gove has upheld the contentious Brexit bus slogan, asserting that £350 million intended for the EU weekly should be allocated to the NHS instead.
A prominent figure in the Leave campaign, Mr. Gove defended the accuracy of the £350 million figure, acknowledging the divisive nature of the Brexit debate making persuasion challenging. He acknowledged that the bus’s message, stating “We send the EU £350 million a week, let’s fund our NHS instead,” continues to provoke strong reactions.
Despite criticism from fact-checking organization Full Fact, which has consistently questioned the validity of the claim, Mr. Gove dismissed their analysis. Full Fact has refuted the assertion that the UK ever paid £350 million per week to the EU or owed such an amount, emphasizing the economic implications of Brexit on trade and the UK economy.
Recent analysis has revealed that Brexit has had a significant and enduring negative impact on the UK economy. The think tank UK in a Changing Europe estimated that Brexit resulted in a 6–8% decrease in UK GDP per capita, along with lower investment, employment, and productivity.
During an appearance on Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Mr. Gove reiterated his stance on the £350 million claim, emphasizing that it underestimated the funds the EU withdrew from UK taxpayers. He dismissed claims that misinformation influenced the Brexit decision, highlighting the extensive debate and scrutiny the £350 million figure underwent.
Addressing doubts about the NHS receiving the promised £350 million post-Brexit, Mr. Gove insisted that increased funding had been allocated to the health service. However, he acknowledged the difficulty in convincing people of this fact due to the polarizing nature of the Brexit discussion.
When questioned about the lack of consideration for the benefits the UK gained from EU membership in the £350 million claim, Mr. Gove argued that individuals should have control over how their money is spent. Dismissing criticisms from Full Fact and Nigel Farage, Mr. Gove expressed confidence in the accuracy and significance of the bus claim, emphasizing the increased NHS funding post-Brexit.