Responding to the Prime Minister’s Brexit speech this week, the British Ports Association’ Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne said:
“The Brexit vote and Theresa May’s speech yesterday prompts a wider debate as to what the UK’s future trade and customs policy will be. We look forward to holding discussions with the government to understand its post Brexit vision and how customs procedures might be best managed at ports.
“With the Prime Minister indicating that the UK will be leaving the Single Market, the issues and implications of this for UK ports are centre around increased Government border activities which could lead to disruption on goods and logistics flows at ports. We will be discussing with government how the re-introduction of customs and VAT declaration requirements on intra EU routes can be best managed at the border.
“There are different Brexit related challenges and opportunities for ports across the UK. Many ports with intra EU trade will welcome the indication from Mrs May that the UK would look to negotiate a deal that would allow a future free trade agreement with the EU.”