The British Government announced the implementation of an Emergency Bill to deal the with the COVID-19 pandemic; Now, the British Ports Association replied that keeping the UK’s global gateways open for trade should be a priority.
Specifically, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has identified that to effectively manage a potential outbreak in the UK, they need to introduce new fast-tracked legislation, which will fall into 5 key categories:
- containing and slowing the virus
- easing legislative and regulatory requirements
- enhancing capacity and the flexible deployment of staff across essential services
- managing the deceased in a dignified way
- supporting and protecting the public to do the right thing and follow public health advice.
Now, in response to this announcement, Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive, British Ports Association commented that
These are unprecedented times and we are working closely with the UK Government and devolved administrations. Our ports are currently open and facilitating imports of food, supplies and resources. It will be important that Government staff at the frontline look to support this effort as best they can.
The new Bill will enable the Home Secretary to request that port and airport operators temporarily close and suspend operations if Border Force staff shortages result in a real and significant threat to the UK’s border security.
The Association aims to ensure that the UK can maintain adequate border security throughout the pandemic and protect the public from the threat of criminality or importation of prohibited items that could result from an inadequately controlled border.
This might only be used in extremis, where necessary and proportionate, and any direction will be kept to the minimum period necessary to maintain the security of the UK border. We trust that these powers would only be enacted suddenly without consideration of the implications. We would expect a sunset clause on these powers so that they expire once the pandemic is brought under control
… Richard Ballantyne concluded.
To remind, the UK Chamber of Shipping demanded an immediate multi-million pound government support package to ensure the shipping industry can continue to bring in the food, goods and medicines the UK will need to fight the virus.
