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UK haulage bosses have called for an \u201curgent\u201d meeting with government ministers over concerns there are \u201csignificant gaps\u201d in the UK\u2019s Brexit border preparations.<\/p>\nUK haulage bosses have called for an \u201curgent\u201d meeting with government ministers over concerns there are \u201csignificant gaps\u201d in the UK\u2019s Brexit border preparations.<\/p>\n
Eight logistics organisations, including the Road Haulage Association (RHA), have written to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove to highlight fears the UK-EU supply chain \u201cwill be severely disrupted\u201d next year if issues are not resolved before Brexit.<\/p>\n
The group seeks a roundtable meeting with Mr Gove, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to discuss areas including IT systems and physical border infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The letter states: \u201cAs key participants in the supply chain who will be required to deliver a functional operating border for GB and EU traders next year, we have visibility of the current state of preparedness which as it stands has significant gaps.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf these issues are not addressed disruption to UK business and the supply chain that we all rely so heavily on will be severely disrupted.\u201d<\/p>\n
It adds: \u201cThe Covid pandemic has demonstrated to both Government and the general public the importance of a free-flowing supply chain, and with transition occurring at the same time as a potential second Covid spike it is critical we ensure the supply chain is protected.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are asking you to take seriously our concerns and listen to the detail during this roundtable so that we can collectively help Government manage through this enormous challenge with as little disruption as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim, like yours, is to have a functional and effective border that allows goods to flow from January 1 2021.\u201d<\/p>\n
Signatories to the letter also include Logistics UK, UK Warehousing Association, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Cold Chain Federation, British Association of Removers, British International Freight Association and British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).<\/p>\n
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: \u201cThere are a range of critical issues the Chancellor, Michael Gove and the Transport Secretary need to address ranging from the SmartFreight app and other untried and untested IT systems, to the lack of customs agents and clear processes for tackling the mountain of red tape traders will face.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government\u2019s pace is simply too slow on this, and that\u2019s why we \u2013 the people who run the UK\u2019s supply chain \u2013 need an urgent meeting with those at the top of Government dealing with Brexit preparations.\u201d<\/p>\n