Facts

Gove, then the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, asserted that there would be no Irish Sea border and unfettered trade access. 

There is a trade border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain which has existed since the United Kingdom left the EU.

The border is in place as Northern Ireland, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, is still a member of the EU’s single market whereas the rest of the UK is not. It means that checks on good and freight in ports have to be made. This situation was negotiated by the Government and brought into action by the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The checks on goods have continued despite resignations by Northern Irish officials and protests by Northern Irish politicians. 

Verdict

Gove was wrong to claim there would be no Irish Sea border. The government negotiated legislation for a trade border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Gove has not corrected his false statement. 

Prime Minister Boris Johson echoed an identical false statement months later.

We emailed Mr Gove’s office offering him the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.