BPA calls for better planning ahead of election

The British Ports Association (BPA) is calling for trade facilitation, fast-tracked planning and connectivity investment in its briefing issued ahead of the UK general election on 8 June.

It stated that priority should be given to public funding of road and rail connections to ports and called for a Brexit trade facilitation pledge for border controls and reduced burdens on businesses.

Focus should also be placed on the ‘Great Repeal Bill’, said the BPA, as it represents a prime opportunity to revoke unsuitable legislation and red tape originating from the EU. It reiterated its concerns that the recently passed EU Port Services Regulation should be revoked as it could potentially limit the UK ports sectors competitive edge.

BPA expressed concern over the impact that customs border checks and potential inspections and subsequent delays could have on ro-ro traffic, highlighting the potential costs for the whole supply chain. It said: “It is vital that Government agrees a post Brexit customs strategy that does not create lorry parks on roads leading to Ro-Ro ports such as Dover, Portsmouth and Holyhead.” It added that impact of tariffs on intra-EU traffic, the wider economy and port trade, should also be considered

BPA emphasised it would like to see a pragmatic solution that allows more control over its own fisheries without limiting fish landings from EU vessels into UK ports and a UK/EU fish trading approach that does not compromise the UK’s port landings post-Brexit.