Non-binding opinion says UK allowed criminal gangs to flood Europe with cheap Chinese-made clothes
A senior EU lawyer has concluded that the British government was negligent in its failure to tackle customs fraud that allowed criminal gangs to flood European markets with cheap Chinese-made clothes and shoes.
The non-binding opinion from a European court of justice legal expert does not recommend any penalty, but bolsters the position of Brussels authorities who have demanded the UK pay €2bn (£1.71bn) in compensation to the EU budget.