Prepare for some disruption, Michael Gove MP warns Logistics UK members

“Whether or not we get that free trade agreement or not,” he said, “it will still be the case that there will be checks and procedures, Customs requirements and also SPS requirements, which will mean that businesses do need to be aware and ready for what’s coming.”

Mr Gove also addressed business concerns upon the prospect of disruption in Kent. In response to a question, he said: “I think there will inevitably be some disruption. It’s always the case as you move towards a new set of procedures, that not everything will be alright on the night.”

Advising businesses not to transport goods across the short straits unless they were confident that they comply with the rules, he predicted there would be lower volumes of goods transported at the beginning of 2021.

“My expectation will be that there’ll be a slightly lower level of traffic in the immediate aftermath of January 1^st,” he said, “then traffic will rise, there’ll be some disruption inevitably as we adjust to the new system and then we’ll settle to a new normal.”

With just over a month to go until the end of the Transition Period before the UK leaves the EU, the virtual half-day conference was designed to provide logistics businesses with up-to-the minute information about the political situation, and guidance for those businesses trading with the EU.

In addition to the keynote speech delivered by Mr Gove, speakers at the event, sponsored by the Port of Dover, offered practical advice on all the key issues which could affect hauliers moving goods to and from Europe via a combination of presentations, panel sessions and group discussion.

*https://logistics.org.uk/campaigns/brexit

Published On: 26/11/2020 16:00:59

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