Logistics must take threat of No Deal Brexit seriously

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With Boris Johnson receiving the keys for 10 Downing Street, the Freight Transport Association is warning that the logistics sector needs to take the risk of a No Deal Brexit seriously.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that the UK will be leaving the European Union on 31 October whether or not a new withdrawal agreement is in place.

The FTA has written to Michael Gove, the incoming Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who has responsibility for co-ordinating No Deal preparations, to urge rapid completion of the outstanding procedures and extension of the concessions.

The association also urges high-level co-ordination with the logistics sector to protect the UK economy and the welfare of consumers.

James Hookham, deputy CEO and head of Brexit readiness at the FTA says that in the run up to the original Brexit deadline of 29 March, contingency measures were in place.

He says: “Many of these will expire, or are due to lapse shortly after the new 31 October Brexit deadline, and FTA is urging the new ministerial line ups to prioritise extending or re-establishing the necessary measures to ensure that trade can continue to flow freely to and from British industry.”

Hookham says UK supply chains are interconnected and need to be protected if Britain wants to keep trading efficiently with European export markets.

He says: “We would still much rather the UK leaves the EU with an agreement that assures the continuity of frictionless trade but if this is not possible, then as an industry we will need to be ready for the challenging and complicated task of navigating the requirements that will apply.”