Michael Gove has stood by the contentious Brexit bus slogan that claimed £350 million was being sent to the EU weekly and should instead be allocated to the NHS. Gove, a prominent figure in the Leave campaign, asserted that the figure was accurate, despite acknowledging the divisive nature of the Brexit debate and the ongoing controversy surrounding the bus advertisement.
Although fact-checking organization Full Fact has consistently questioned the validity of the £350 million claim, stating that the UK never actually paid that amount to the EU and warning about the economic repercussions of Brexit, Gove maintained his position.
Recent analysis revealed that Brexit has had a significant negative impact on the UK economy, with GDP per capita, investment, employment, and productivity all experiencing declines compared to pre-Brexit projections. Despite these findings, Gove defended the £350 million claim, stating that it underestimated the actual amount the EU took from UK taxpayers.
When pressed about the actual funds directed to the NHS post-Brexit, Gove maintained that more money had indeed been allocated to the health service. He expressed frustration at the inability to convince people of the truth, likening it to a deeply held belief that cannot be swayed by facts.
Addressing criticisms that the £350 million claim was misleading because it failed to consider the benefits the UK received from its EU membership, Gove argued that individuals should have control over how their money is spent. Dismissing disagreements from Full Fact and Nigel Farage, Gove emphasized that the bus claim was not only accurate but also foreshadowed the increased NHS funding post-Brexit.
In conclusion, Gove reiterated his support for the controversial bus slogan, highlighting the additional funding channeled to the NHS as a positive outcome, despite the political challenges it posed for the Conservative party.