The director general of British International Freight Association has called for transparency ahead of the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Robert Keen, director general of BIFA, criticised the “lack of any significant details” on how the trading relationship between the UK and European Union might change.
Keen said: “The sooner that the government provides some clear communication and detail on the type of trade deal that the UK is seeking before the end of 2020, when the post-Brexit transition period runs out, the better for all concerned.
“Whilst the government has often stated that it desires a “zero tariff, zero quota” trade deal, many suggest that trying to achieve that before the end of 2020 is a very tight schedule and the prospect of a no-deal scenario at the end of 2020 is by no means off the table.
“Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether trade between the UK and the EU would be done across frictionless borders, something that we have always campaigned for, even if such a deal was achieved.
“I understand that next week, it is expected that Boris Johnson will outline the UK’s new trade priorities, which will inevitably involve some tough choices.
“BIFA members and the beneficial cargo owners, importers and exporters that they serve are desperately keen to know what those choices are going to be and the likely impact on how the visible movement of trade across borders is managed in future.”
BIFA has said it will plan to be prepared for all scenarios.
