The British Ports Association released an announcement in which it responds to the sectoral analyses compiled by the Government and published by the Commons Exiting the European Union Committee.
“We are disappointed that the clear messages we have provided to all tiers of Government on the challenges of leaving the EU for ports and the wider economy have not been reflected in these reports,” Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association said.
The impacts of UK leaving the European Union could be crucial. The prospect of customs and bureaucratic environmental health checks at the border could possibly create congestion and delays, particularly for HGVs at Roll-on Roll-off ferry ports.
This will increase costs for traders, manufacturers and consumers. Thus, it is important that once Phase 2 of the Brexit negotiations start, the trade agreements must prevent these non-tariff barrier impacts.
“The Maritime and Ports Sector Report vastly understates the operational impact of leaving the Customs Union on the sector. The UK Government should urgently reconsider the impacts on the ports industry, particularly the roll-on/roll-off ferry ports, which facilitate significant levels of UK trade with Europe,” Mr. Ballantyne noted.
