The British prime Minister, Boris Johnson, proposed the ‘two borders for four years’ Brexit plan, which meas that there will be a regulatory border between the UK and northern Ireland for four years; The BPA opposed to this proposal, adding that the most ideal plan would be based on no customs or regulatory checks at all.
Specifically, Johnson’s plan includes customs checks between Ulster and the Republic of Ireland, meaning that Northern Ireland will leave the EU when the UK does on October 31, but will continue to follow single market rules for agriculture and industrial goods.
In light of Johnson’s proposal, British Ports Association’s Chief Executive at the British Ports Association, Richard Ballantyne, stated that under the possibility that the proposal is implemented, it will be challenging for the ports in Northern Ireland and those in England and Scotland who have freight routes, given that the majority of Northern Ireland’s trade is with Great Britain and a border in the Irish Sea.
We recognise the sensitivities and issues around the land border and have always said that the best resolution and the best way to meet the Government’s commitment to frictionless trade is a deal that has no customs or regulatory checks at all, anywhere.
Overall, the upcoming Brexit is challenging the UK and its ports, at the operations may be disrupted in a no-deal case scenario. In August, the UK announced additional funds to better-support the ports in light of the approaching Brexit; Tim Morris, chief executive of the UK Major Ports Group although welcomed the fund, added that there must be a realism regarding how much change can be achieved between now and the end of October.
Recently, a report was calling on the UK Government to grant special economic status to airports and seaports, in order to stimulate international investment in a post-Brexit Britain, to promote regional growth centred on key UK transport hubs. The possibility of a no deal Brexit could cost the UK billions in export earnings in key markets.
