Labour accuses Government of UK border ‘shambles’ over commerce checks delay

Labour has accused the UK Government of commerce chaos this night, as stories emerge suggesting the UK is to delay implementing post-Brexit border checks for EU items as soon as once more.

Three weeks in the past, the Financial Times reported the checks have been set to be delayed for a fifth time over Government considerations that the extra paperwork on imported items – particularly meals – would gasoline inflation.

The Government additionally hopes the delay will give extra time to firms and port operators to implement the preparations.

At the time an official stated: “We’ve been reflecting on the feedback we’ve had from stakeholders… we’re conscious that businesses need time to prepare for checks to be introduced”.

This night, Labour has written to the Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch – whose division is just not liable for introducing the brand new checks – to criticise the Government for creating “chaos”.

Shadow Trade minister Gareth Thomas has stated that removed from the delay serving to companies put together for the adjustments, it’s actually “deeply damaging for business certainty”.

The Labour Party additionally slams the delay for losing “yet more taxpayers’ money”.

Mr Thomas says: “With the deadlines for brand new checks simply months away, it’s unacceptable that companies haven’t acquired a transparent replace from the federal government on whether or not the brand new border preparations are even going to be launched”.

“The Tories’ trade barriers are stunting economic growth.”

The Conservatives have not taken the criticism lying down, however, saying the opposition is “just shouting from the sidelines with no plan yet again”.

A Tory spokesman joked: “The only trade they understand is ‘trade union’”.

They also accused Sir Keir of only being interested in dragging the UK “Back into the EU and [binding] us to their rules”.

“The best way to support business this year is by halving inflation – that’s exactly why it’s the first of our five key priorities: halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.”

In April, the Politico website reported widespread concerns among businesses that the Government’s planned border checks will increase costs for importers.

Government officials told businesses in April that they would be hit with an additional £400 million in extra costs due to the regime.

According to official seasonally-adjusted figures, however, UK exports to the EU in the four quarters leading up to January this year stood at £349 million, up 21 percent on the previous 12 months and 41 percent higher than 2016 – the year of the Brexit referendum.

A Government spokesperson stated: “The government remains committed to delivering the best border in the world. The Border Target Operating Model is key to delivering this and introduces an innovative approach to importing that will be introduced progressively”.

“We are reflecting on the valuable feedback provided by a range of businesses and industry stakeholders and will publish the Border Target Operating Model shortly.”