Lack of Brexit progress a threat to trade, says FTA

UK shipper and logistics group, the Freight Transport Association (FTA), has reacted with "frustration" at the lack of progress in Britain’s negotiations to leave the European Union (EU) or ‘Brexit’ in March next year.
The FTA said that companies responsible for moving goods and services between the UK and the EU "need urgent answers to keep Britain trading" and clear directions on preparing for Brexit "beyond the no deal notices".
Pauline Bastidon, FTA’s Head of European policy, commented: “With March 2019 fast approaching, it’s frustrating negotiators on both sides have still not reached an agreement and seem content to once again kick the can down the road.
"We are now being told that decisions could be postponed to the December EU summit. While the logistics industry understands negotiations are complex, politically-sensitive and time-consuming, there are massive decisions which need to be made urgently by companies and cannot be left to the last minute.
"Given the scale of adaptions required in the event of a No Deal exit, an outcome which cannot be excluded at this stage, we are quickly reaching the point of no return and industry decisions cannot be delayed any longer."
The FTA has previously listed a number of key elements on which its members needed "answers to and clear decisions on" as part of its ‘Keep Britain Trading’ agenda.
Added Bastidon: "With less than six months left until Brexit, we are forced to recognise that progress on these items is extremely limited. Even the transition period is not a certainty at this stage.
"The current state of uncertainty leaves the logistics sector in limbo, as our members are forced to plan for an uncertain future. They face two choices: invest in and implement contingency plans that might not be needed if an agreement is reached, or take no action and risk being unprepared in the event of a No Deal exit."
The FTA is advising all companies to begin preparing for the "worst-case scenario" and has called upon the UK government to give "clear directions to industry," building on the no deal notices and focusing on the points of greater concerns to the industry, from detailed information required to prepare for possible customs formalities to post-Brexit immigration rules.
"Contradictory signals are unhelpful and risk giving industry a false sense of security," said Bastidon.
She continued: “Given the increased likelihood of No Deal, FTA urges the European Commission and UK Government to better coordinate Brexit preparedness efforts. We’re seeing too many uncoordinated actions by member states in isolation – plans based on assumptions rather than proper dialogue or a clear strategy.
"Authorities need to be allowed to exchange information on the expected location of controls, traffic management and other measures taken to mitigate the impact of border delays in order to minimise disruptions on the flow of goods.
“The European Commission should take the lead in identifying areas where coordinated ‘emergency’ agreements will be a must if the two sides fail to reach a deal.
"This is especially salient in transport – the logistics industry needs the legal certainty that trucks, planes and trains will be able to circulate without market access restrictions after Brexit, even in the event of a No Deal exit."
Bastidon said that unilateral measures – such as those being contemplated in France – are "not good enough and fail to reassure our members".
She continued: "Simply saying that alternative forms of transport should be used stems from a fundamental lack of understanding of supply chains and production constraints and does not reflect the fact that massive shifts require huge investment in extra ferry capacity, space and new infrastructure at ports, which are all measures requiring ample time.
“The UK’s logistics sector is the beating heart of the economy, and one on which most businesses – including manufacturing plants, hospitals and shops – have come to rely.
"The industry is ready to take action, but it needs clear directions and a supportive environment; above all, it needs time and freedom to adapt to the final outcome.”
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