Border security

Boris Johnson promised frictionless trade after Brexit but now his government admits new border checks are 'inevitable'

When Boris Johnson campaigned for Britain to leave the EU he promised voters that frictionless trade with Europe would continue after Brexit. Now Britain has left the EU, however, a senior member of his government has admitted for the first time that new border checks will be "inevitable."Speaking to businesses on Monday, Michael Gove, the de facto deputy prime minister tipped to lead trade negotiations with the EU, said: "You have to accept we will need some friction. We will minimise it but it is an inevitability of our departure.""I don't underestimate the fact that this is a significant change, but we have time now to make that change," he told delegates for businesses who trade with Europe at a Cabinet Office meeting, according to a Guardian report.