Providing its comment on the rejection of the Brexit plan, BPA said that the government must set out its alternative plans and prevent a disorderly withdrawal from the EU.
Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal has been rejected by 230 votes. This is the largest defeat for a government in history. Namely, MPs voted by 432 votes to 202 to reject the deal, which describes how the UK willl exit from the EU on 29 March.
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Moreover, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a vote of no confidence in the government, which could lead to a general election. The confidence vote will take place on Wednesday, January 16.
This defeat is considered significant for Mrs May, as she has spent over two years negotiating a deal with the EU. The proposed plan aspired to bring an orderly departure from the EU on 29 March, and included a 21-month transition period to negotiate a free trade deal.
Now, the UK is still on course to leave EU on 29 March, but this defeat obscures how the exit will take place.
Commenting on this development, Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, mentioned that this vote increased the possibility of a ‘no deal’ Brexit outcome.
For this reason, he called the UK government to clarify its alternative plans immediately and avoid a disorderly exit from the EU.
He also added that, after discussing the implications of a ‘no deal’ Brexit with Ministers and officials, they understand the disruption that may take place at key ports in case of a no deal Brexit.
Whilst plans are in place to mitigate some of the worst aspects of this, the fundamental dangers to free flowing trade remain and must be avoided if at all possible
BPA mentioned that ports are very interested in ensuring a stable and healthy economy. As the Brexit date is approaching, the ports sector will be seeking guarantees that the UK will not leave the EU on unfavourable terms.
