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Updated: Industry breathes sigh of relief over Brexit deal
[ November 15, 2018 // Chris ]With Prime Minister Theresa May securing her cabinet’s backing for the draft Brexit agreement between the UK and EU – but still facing the task of getting it passed by Parliament – and a possible ‘no confidence motion’ along with numerous resignations – the Freight Transport Association it had reacted positively to the contents, recognizing it “as a decisive step forwards in the process of the UK’s departure from the EU.
It added: “The detail of the agreement, which will go before Parliament includes essential elements which will allow continued frictionless movement of goods and maintain the integrity of the UK’s supply chain. Remaining in the Customs Union will maintain seamless transport of goods and services between the UK and the EU until a new trade agreement can be negotiated, while the protection of citizen’s rights, both in the UK and the EU, will safeguard the logistics workforce. A transition period, which FTA has been lobbying for, will enable Britain’s businesses to prepare for a seamless transition to new trading arrangements, without concerns over a cliff edge which could be disastrous for the supply chain.”
FTA called on Parliament to respect these crucial economic factors in deciding how it votes, to avoid a disorderly departure from the EU.
David Wells, Chief Executive of FTA commented: “Based on the briefing I received this evening from the Chancellor and the Business Secretary, the draft text seems to have recognised the vital importance of preserving the frictionless movement of goods and the availability of EU workers whilst a new permanent trade deal is negotiated. If so, we believe it is crucial that MPs understand how important these outcomes are to economy and the economic security and welfare of the country”.
The International Road Transport Union also described the news as encouraging as it paved the way for further negotiations on a post-Brexit arrangement, including transport and customs issues.
Matthias Maedge, who leads IRU’s work in the EU, commented: “IRU welcomes this development. The persisting uncertainty is detrimental for the road transport operators’ preparations for Brexit. The UK is the EU’s second biggest trading partner and 70% of the goods traded go by road transport. 2.6 million trucks pass through the Port of Dover annually. Road freight transport is the backbone of the European economy and we hope that the road transport industry will get clarity on post-Brexit arrangements soon.”