Minister: UK ports need higher standards

In a speech at the British Ports Association Annual Lunch, Nusrat Ghani, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the UK Government’s Department for Transport, called for the sector to consider how it can maximise the opportunities coming from geological advantage, explore integrating digital systems and consider the case for dedicated freight routes for export and import.

“Later this year, we will begin the process of making some of these things a reality with the development of our infrastructure route map, our plan for a programme to prepare for the challenges of the next few decades,” said Ms Ghani.

The Maritime Minister also discussed the UK’s departure from the EU (Brexit), saying she appreciates the “testing” nature of “this unprecedented period of intense activity” over the issue.

Ms Ghani said that the UK Government’s priority is to depart from the multinational body with agreement as soon as possible “to facilitate continued trade with our friends in the EU”.

Ms Ghani also expressed her view that the option of a no-deal Brexit needs to remain “on the table” if the UK is prepared to secure the best agreement possible.