UK border checks from EU ‘delayed once more ‘to fight inflation’

Post-Brexit border checks on animal and plant merchandise coming into the UK from the EU will reportedly be delayed once more – in a bid to fight inflation.

Goods being exported from Britain to the Continent already endure full checks. However, the implementation of a reverse regime has been delayed a number of instances.

The new guidelines had been set to be in place from October. But UK Government sources have reportedly mentioned it’s being delayed but once more – in a bid to forestall the price of residing rising additional.

It comes forward of immediately’s assembly of the Bank of England’s financial committee. The BoE is expected to raise interest rates yet again in a bid to carry down stubbornly excessive inflation.

Regarding items checks, again in April Ministers mentioned the brand new ‘border goal working mannequin’ at UK ports was to be rolled out from October 31, with full implementation by October 2024. However, sources say the implementation of the deliberate mannequin will now be pushed again.

Government insiders reportedly informed the Financial Times that though whereas remaining particulars of the plan could be revealed “very soon”, its implementation could be delayed.

One Government insider informed the publication: “The driving force behind this is the need to bear down on inflation, that’s why there will be a delay. There will be additional costs at the border.”  

The FT said a government spokesperson confirmed that the Border Target Operating Model would be “revealed shortly”. However, the spokesperson said ministers “had been fastidiously contemplating suggestions from ‘stakeholders’ to make sure that they had sufficient time to arrange”.

When pressed, the spokesperson mentioned the brand new system is less complicated than the one initially proposed final yr – and would “be introduced progressively”.

The delay has been welcomed by business figures. Shane Brennan, head of the Cold Chain Federation foyer group, mentioned it was the “right thing to do”. The British Chambers of Commerce additionally mentioned delaying the October controls was “sensible” given present inflation charges.