Britain’s Freight Tariff Association (FTA) says it supports UK Prime Minister, Theresa May’s Brexit vision of “tariff-free and frictionless trade.”
Earlier this week, the British Premier laid out her plans for the UK to quit the European Union, in which she said the country would leave the Single Market, but wished to seek access to it through a Free Trade Agreement, which she says could see the automotive sector trading using Single Market “arrangements.”
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The FTA, the UK’s largest transport trade association with around 16,000 members, added it supported the Prime Minister’s vision of Britain’s likely future relationship with European and global trading partners.
The body is hosting a ‘Keep Britain Trading’ conference on 15 March to discuss the implications for new trade deals with other countries, and how potential customs tariffs and trade procedure barriers can be reduced when striking new free trade agreements.
“FTA will be examining the implications for Britain’s future trade with Europe arising from the Prime Minister’s statement,” said an FTA statement. “The degree of access to the European market agreed for the UK will be largely determined by the new free trade and new customs agreements, and these will be key topics of discussion during FTA’s conference.
“The UK road transport industry is highly reliant on EU nationals who work as drivers, warehouse operatives and in other key roles across the sector. The continued ability of FTA members to employ and recruit these key workers will be essential to their future business success and FTA will be seeking assurances that the government recognises and accommodates the essential needs of the logistics sector.”
Theresa May’s commitment to maintain the common travel area in Ireland has also been welcomed by the FTA as it said this was one of the key issues of concern to its members.
“A truly global Britain, trading effectively with all nations, is something FTA welcomes, and the Association urges the government to progress bold and ambitious free trade agreements with key trading partners around the world as quickly as possible to ensure seamless business relationships can continue,” added the organisation.
