Logistics UK statement on funding for Channel port investment

Tuesday 27 August 2024

In response to today’s (27 August 2024) government announcement of £10.5 million of funding to prepare the Channel ports for new EU border checks (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-pledges-new-support-to-prepare-for-eu-border-checks), Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at business group Logistics UK said:

“Logistics UK has welcomed the announcement of funding to help Channel ports prepare for the upcoming EU digital border system, but is pointing out that passengers using the border crossings still need education and information to try to minimise the impact of these new system requirements and the knock on impact on hauliers and freight.  

“Our members, companies which move the goods which the UK needs every day, are still waiting for clarification on a number of areas concerning the new border processing model which, if not ironed out, could leave goods stranded at the border. Logistics operators urgently need the support of government to ensure that the UK’s borders do not become a barrier to the movement of goods.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.