NFU President Minette Batters has responded to the publication of the government's Reasonable Worst Case Scenario for borders at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December, holding the government to account on the need for a deal with the EU that avoids tariffs and addresses concerns relating to friction at the border.

The Reasonable Worst Case Scenario document outlines the government's planning for potential disruption to freight travelling between Britain and the EU from 1 January. The assumption is that the EU will impose third country controls on UK goods at the end of the transition period. This will mean that all freight that travels to the border without the correct documentation will be stopped before boarding services in the UK or on arrival at EU member state ports. The government has estimated that in the worst case scenario 40% to 70% of trucks travelling to the EU might not be ready for new border controls.

What is the NFU doing?

The NFU has previously raised concerns about fresh, perishable produce not being given suitable priority at the border. Read more about this in this article from the NFU's EU exit and international trade team which provides information on Operation Brock, the government's traffic management planning for the short straits ports in Kent, and click here for the NFU's full response to the government consultation on post-Brexit border traffic.

NFU President Minette Batters (pictured above) said:

“The EU remains the most important market for British agri-food exports and we are very concerned about how trade across borders will operate at the end of the transition period. We are extremely worried about the prospect of fresh, perishable produce being left to rot in lorries sat in queues miles long, waiting to cross the Channel. We take no reassurance in UK Ministers, or the EU Commission officials, blaming each other for a lack of preparedness.

“While there are unanswered questions that are still subject to trade negotiations, the UK government must do more to promote the requirements of UK operators involved in trading with the EU to ensure they are properly prepared for the end of transition.

“We ask that the UK Government redoubles its efforts in the time remaining to negotiators to secure a deal with the EU that avoids tariffs and addresses as many of the concerns as possible relating to friction at the border. This must include agreeing that UK and EU rules will remain equivalent in terms of animal products, organics and phytosanitary considerations.”

More from NFUonline:

• NFU responds to government consultation on post-Brexit border traffic
• How will the GB and EU border work from next year?
• NFU raises key issues in response to government consultation on freeports
• NFU insight: UK government's approach to border controls from 1 January 2021

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