Trade groups: extend Brexit transition to allow Covid-19 focus

Both the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA) have called on government to ask the EU for an extension to the Brexit transition or ‘implementation’ period, to allow transport operators time to deal with the impact of the coronavirus without being waylaid by Brexit planning.

The transition period is currently scheduled to end on 1 January 2021 – but with governments across Europe occupied with protecting their citizens from the global Covid-19 pandemic and EU/UK trade negotiations taking a lower priority, many commentators are now questioning whether a trade deal is really feasible this year.

However, Elizabeth de Jong, policy director at FTA, said that the case for an extension was “not about the relative merits of Brexit, or any trading arrangements which our industry will need to adopt”.

She said: “This is purely and simply so the businesses tasked with keeping the UK’s supply chain intact can concentrate on the serious issues which the Covid-19 pandemic is placing on the industry.

“Logistics is facing unprecedented challenges, both in terms of keeping the UK economy supplied with all the goods it needs to function, as well as coping with the increased disruption to staffing levels caused by sickness and selfisolation and concerns about the viability of their businesses.

“Our first priority is always to deliver for our customers, and there is simply not enough capacity available to plan the major structural changes needed to implement a successful departure from the EU, as well as the myriad of other planned legislation changes on the horizon, as well as dealing with unprecedented pressures caused by Covid-19.”

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said he had written to the Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove to call for an extension.

“As things stand right now, the coronavirus outbreak means that we are simply not in a position to give the complexity of future trade arrangements with the EU the necessary focus,” he argued, emphasising: “We have always maintained a neutral stance as regards our relationship with the EU and this request is not trying to prolong the government’s plans – which we fully endorse.”

But the road transport industry must be allowed to focus entirely on fulfilling the “unprecedented demand that has been placed on the supply chain”, he said, as well as ensuring that the movement of critical food and medical supplies was maintained.

Burnett concluded: “Preparing for our exit on 1 January 2021 was always going to be a challenge for government, operators and stakeholders. The current climate makes the ability to negotiate, agree and manage new trading arrangements impossible.”