UK abandons plans for full border checks on EU goods after pressure from businesses already suffering from coronavirus impact
- Government has accepted firms can’t cope with leaving EU and coronavirus
- Light-touch regime at ports like Dover may be introduced after transition period
- This would happen under both a deal and no-deal scenario
- But the EU is unlikely to reciprocate and UK goods will face full checks
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The UK has abandoned plans for full border checks on EU goods due to pressure from businesses struggling with coronavirus, it was reported last night.
Michael Gove, Minister for the Cabinet Office, is understood to have accepted that companies cannot cope with both leaving the European Union and the fallout from the pandemic.
The Government may now introduce a temporary light-touch regime at ports like Dover for EU goods when the transition period ends in December.
The UK has abandoned plans for full border checks on EU goods due to pressure from businesses struggling with coronavirus, it was reported last night
This would happen under both a deal and no-deal scenario. But the EU is unlikely to reciprocate and UK goods will face full checks, according to the reports.
A Whitehall official told the Financial Times: ‘We recognise the impact that coronavirus has had on UK businesses.
‘As we take back control of our laws and borders at the end of this year, we will take a pragmatic and flexible approach.’
The paper reported the move is expected to be announced ahead of a drive to ramp up no-deal preparations this July.
It represents a significant U-turn from February when Mr Gove announced that goods coming from the EU would face the full range of checks.
The official added: ‘We want to help business adjust to the changes and opportunities of being outside the single market and customs union,’
Penny Mordaunt, Cabinet Office minister, has promised an announcement ‘shortly’.
Michael Gove, Minister for the Cabinet Office, is understood to have accepted that companies cannot cope with both leaving the European Union and the fallout from the pandemic
An aide briefed on the new preparations said the approach would be closer to the no-deal arrangements drawn up in September last year that prioritised the flow of goods over border formalities.
The measures are expected to last for six months.
Earlier this year, Mr Gove announced imports from the EU would face the same customs and regulatory checks as those from other countries in order to ensure both were treated equally and ‘to keep our borders safe and secure’.
Pro-Brexit MPs applauded his tough approach as a means of giving the UK leverage in the future relationship negotiations, since the EU runs a surplus of goods into Britain.
The Government may now introduce a temporary light-touch regime at ports like Dover for EU goods when the transition period ends in December
Under the revised proposals, agricultural goods will not be required to enter border inspection posts in or near the port – as they do in Europe – and animal products may not immediately require health certificates.
Only controlled goods will face immediate checks.
Industrial goods are also expected to be part of the transitional measures and excluded from customs declarations and customs duty payments.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is to hold Brexit talks with EU chiefs next week, amid warnings that a no deal could thwart Britain’s economic recovery.
Downing Street last night confirmed the ‘high-level summit’ between the Prime Minister and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will take place via video link on Monday.
Downing Street last night confirmed the ‘high-level summit’ between the Prime Minister and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will take place via video link on Monday
It is seen as an opportunity to break the deadlock in talks.
A senior British source last night said Mr Johnson would walk away unless a deal was in sight before autumn.
But yesterday Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, of the Confederation of British Industry, warned no deal would be ‘a major block to recovery’ amid the pandemic.