Business, Forwarding, Freight News


Freight industry welcomes EU ‘reset’ in King’s Speech

[ May 13, 2026   //   ]

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) said it welcomed the prominence given to realignment between the UK and EU in the King’s Speech on 13 May, along with legislation on airport expansion.

Director general, Steve Parker said: “Since it was elected, the government has been vocal about its efforts to reset post-Brexit relations and forge closer economic ties with the EU without committing to rejoin the single market or customs union.”

 BIFA has continued to push for smoother UK-EU trading arrangements, especially around customs paperwork, SPS checks and border friction.

Parker added: “Broader government discussion of an EU ‘reset’ is being closely watched by the sector. Ahead of a summer summit between EU and UK, and the five-year review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, we now need to see greater details about the government’s likely approach to that review.”

Logistics UK meanwhile said that he European Partnership Bill announced in the King’s Speech would put the sector on the road towards easier trading relationships with the continent..

Chief executive, Ben Fletcher, commented;  “We have been pressing government for some time to consider ways to make UK/EU trade simpler, so today’s announcement of a framework of powers to ease business between the UK and our largest trading market is very welcome. We need goods to move smoothly and swiftly across borders without administrative delays, rather than becoming bogged down in processes which act as a roadblock to potential growth.

“This Bill is a strong start to resetting trading relations with the EU, by addressing SPS and emissions trading and allowing for powers to be extended to new treaties with the EU in the future. With this in mind, to fully unlock growth and economic opportunities, we also calling for closer alignment on customs to be prioritised by government.”

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