RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett has responded to the ministerial statement on EU exit preparedness which focuses on the movement of ‘category 1’ goods such as medicines.

He said that ‘no-deal’ plans still need significant improvement, warning that firms moving goods across borders still don’t know what’s expected of them. He called on the government to give them clear direction in the coming weeks and months.

“Nothing they’re saying gives us any confidence that their plans are up to scratch and fit to manage the realities of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit,” he said.

“Firms are staring at a confusion of unworkable red tape and customs arrangements which cannot cope with demand.”

Officials are still in denial about the scale of the gaps in knowledge across business and how unprepared they are for the 31 October departure. “The government simply hasn’t done enough.” he added.

He said that lorries need to flow efficiently across borders – both the ‘routine’ and time-dependent – to ensure those medicines and food will get to where they’re needed.

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran