British logistics organisation, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) says it needs speedy progress on UK-European Union (EU) trade negotiations following the publication of London’s Technical Notices concerning any potential no deal once the country leaves the Brussels club.
Frenetic debate in the UK has seen many scenarios posited should Britain exit the EU next year with no deal, but in an attempt to provide some clarity, London has started to issue sectorial papers on how business should react in the event no agreement is reached.
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The FTA said while the papers provided “some welcome advice” about how to prepare contingency plans, more information is needed both in terms of the level of detail and the areas covered, for example concerning market access for road haulage and air freight.
Equally, logistics businesses need workable solutions “to aim higher than damage control” and to keep Britain trading.
“No deal would be disastrous for logistics,” said FTA European policy manager, Sarah Laouadi. “While preparing for every eventuality, including a no deal position, is a sound strategy, it should not be the end game which negotiators accept.
“There are clear problems which could face our supply chain if agreements cannot be reached, including customs and border arrangements, the continuity of trade agreements and vehicle permits, as well as the continuation of business access to EU workers.
“Solutions for these areas are key to the continued success of British business, both at home and abroad, after 29 March, 2019.”
Much speculation is surrounding the publication of the Technical Notices, with some seeing it as a push to accept British Prime Minister, Theresa May’s so-called ‘Chequers Plan,’ for exiting the EU as the alternative could be to present myriad challenges and extra costs to the UK supply chain.
Others however, view an overall no-deal scenario as presenting new opportunities, while those opposing Brexit per se, see the Technical Notices publication as a vindication of their warnings should the UK crash out in acrimonious circumstances.
“The UK’s supply chain is the blood in the veins of the UK’s economy, keeping schools, hospitals and businesses stocked, shop shelves full and retailers provided with the goods they need to prosper,” added Laouadi. “Without quick progress on the key elements that FTA has outlined, the resulting disruption could have disastrous impacts for British and EU business.
“A no-deal agreement should only be considered once every opportunity to reach a deal has been explored. Negotiators on both sides need to keep working to ensure Britain and the EU keep on trading, day in, day out.”
