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Get ready for Brexit, urges FTA

[ April 10, 2019   //   ]

Freight Transport Association deputy chief executive James Hookham is urging the industry not to get lulled into a false sense of security over possible delays to Brexit and to activate their No Deal readiness plans for possible implementation this weekend.

While the latest BBC reports suggest that the EU is expected to offer a delay until at least 30 June, and possibly for up to a year, FTA is reminding logistics businesses that, at this stage, Friday is still the legal date for the UK to leave the European Union

“On Brexit, nothing has been decided,” explains Hookham, “and with so many complicated and interdependent discussions going on, both in Westminster and Brussels, it would be easy for businesses to get caught up in the rhetoric and be lulled into a sense of complacency.  Just because conversations are being had about the possibility of an extension to Article 50, there is no certainty that this will take place.

He warned: “The trading relationship between the UK and EU is hanging on by its fingernails this week and has the real potential to collapse into a No Deal Brexit if politicians go too close to the edge. FTA is urging all businesses involved in UK–EU trade not to rely on political statements or aspirations in their contingency planning but to recognise the legal landmarks and the real risks to business continuity. If agreement on a way forward is not reached by Wednesday evening, then there is a real danger of the cliff edge giving way and taking the entirety of UK-EU trade with it”.

As Mr Hookham confirms, a No Deal Brexit is still possible this Friday (12 April) at 11pm UK time, and businesses should continue to prepare for this eventuality.”

 

 

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