Sep 11 2020
Letter on Brexit Produces Government Response
UK – Last week we told how the great and the good of the British logistics industry had written collectively to Michael Gove MP in his capacity as Minister for the Cabinet Office, requesting a round table meeting to discuss the potential pitfalls of a no deal Brexit.
The original letter, drafted by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and signed by such stalwarts of the industry as the heads of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), Logistics UK, the British Association of Removers (BAR), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) can now be read HERE.
It seems to have done the trick as Mr Gove replied just six days later to say such a discussion would be scheduled by his staff. In the letter sent last Wednesday RHA Chief Executive Richard Burnett and the others raised long-standing industry concerns about new customs IT systems, border infrastructure and a lack of movement on recruiting and training the 50,000 new customs agents which firms will need to manage extra red tape next year. Upon receipt of the reply Mr Burnett commented:
“I’m greatly encouraged that Mr Gove has responded so quickly. Like us, he is obviously concerned about the Government’s post-transition plans for hauliers. With only 81 working days left until the transition period ends we have to make sure that we can achieve a solution that works for everyone.”
It seems Mr Burnett is taking every opportunity to put the case of his members. Today he appeared on Parliament TV giving evidence to the Brexit Select Committee on the matter of the UK/EU border. He explained the frustration of the haulage industry in trying to get across the gravity of the situation to politicians.
He also questioned the relevance of the once again mooted ‘Brexit Lorry Parks’ telling Committee Chair Hilary Benn that his members did not understand what they were going to be used for, also mentioning the problem of the shortage of ISPM15 certified wooden pallets post Brexit, the lack of information on the unbuilt and untested Goods Vehicle Movement System (GMVS), and he lingered on his specialist subject, how the new procedures will work for truckers. Read more
Source: HANDY SHIPPING GUIDE