Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, is urging businesses and local constituents in the Gosport Constituency to “Check, Change, Go” ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period.
A new information campaign has launched today – ‘The UK’s new start: let’s get going’ – to ensure that businesses are prepared in December.
The campaign will run across all communication channels, from TV to text messages, seeking to minimise disruption to businesses and ensure a smooth transition as the UK no longer is bound to EU’s rules.
The end of the transition period means the UK will leave the Single Market and Customs Union, as promised by the Leave campaign back in 2016. Yesterday, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, announced a £705 million borders package to invest in to border infrastructure, jobs and better technology – ensuring that they are fully operational by December 31st. This has already been welcomed by the British Ports Association and will bring benefits for local Portsmouth Port, which is vital for transporting freight to northern France, Spain and the Channel Islands.
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive at the British Ports Association, said:
“These are helpful measures designed to ease the new borders requirements which come into force next year. We are particularly grateful that the Government has listened and agreed to our requests to pay for new infrastructure both at ports and at inland sites. We look forward to reviewing the detail but this is an important first step to help limit the impacts of Britain’s departure from the EU.
“Borders infrastructure of course means there will be some impact on freight and potentially flows of traffic. We therefore pressing for the pragmatic enforcement of such processes so that trucks and cargo are not held up at our ports. Of course there is still a huge amount to prepare for and operators across the freight and logistics sectors will need to understand what will be required and what this will mean for their businesses.”
Caroline has not only welcomed the funding announcement, that will minimise the disruption on local infrastructure and roads, but also is urging constituents to use the new, straightforward checker tool which identifies the necessary steps constituents need to take. These steps can range from the resident needing to contact their vet if they plan to travel with their pet to the EU, to prepping their business to export and import.
It will also highlight the opportunities that leaving the EU will bring, as well as what the business could benefit from as the UK signs new, global, free trade agreements.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said:
“At the end of this year we are leaving the single market and Customs Union regardless of the type of agreement we reach with the EU. This will bring changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare.
“While we have already made great progress in getting ready for this moment, there are actions that businesses and citizens must take now to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running as a fully independent United Kingdom.
“This is a new start for everyone in the UK - British and European citizens alike - so let’s get going.”
Caroline commented:
“Back in 2016, Gosport voted overwhelmingly to leave the European Union.
“After many years of delay and disruption, by December 31st residents will finally be able to take advantage of the benefits that this will bring, including the opportunities of new free trade agreements.
“To minimise disruption and ensure smooth sailing into 2021, I recommend that both residents and businesses use the checker tool.”
