Conservative MPs met with Brexit Minister Steve Baker MP on Wednesday (July 19th) to raise concerns over preparations for Brexit at Britain’s ports and discuss solutions to ensure that the UK’s ports are ready to thrive after Brexit.
The MPs, including members of the European Research Group (ERG), stressed the importance of protecting port-related jobs and preventing long queues of lorries.
The meeting comes after Amyas Morse, Comptroller General of the National Audit Office, raised concerns over the Government’s post-Brexit IT system to record declarations on imports and exports.
Commenting after the meeting ERG member Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover, said:
“As we prepare to leave the European Union we need to make sure that we are in the best position possible to succeed and prosper in the world. A vital part of these preparations must be ensuring that our ports are Ready on Day One.
“We all agree that is vital that Brexit is a success at our ports up and down the land – particularly at the Dover frontline.
“Of course, we hope that a trade deal will be done with the EU that will enable tariff-free trade to continue. Yet if on day one no trade deal has been agreed, we must be fully prepared.
“Gridlock at out ports will mean gridlock for the UK economy. Yet with proper planning we can not only be ready on day one – we can make Brexit a real success.
“Together we can build a new Britain that is a great, global trading nation.”
Commenting after the meeting DEXEU Minister Steve Baker MP said:
"The preparedness of our borders for success on day 1 of exit under all scenarios is a clear priority for the Government. Colleagues representing ports are doing a fine job of representing their constituents concerns together with potential solutions. We will consider these alongside our current, well-developed plans."