The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has reacted positively to the contents of the draft Brexit agreement, which was presented to the Association during a government briefing soon after the proposed deal was announced.
FTA said it recognised the draft deal as “a decisive step forwards” in the process of the UK’s departure from the EU, and said the detail of the agreement – which still has to be agreed by Parliament – includes “essential elements” which will allow continued frictionless movement of goods and maintain the integrity of the UK’s supply chain.
Remaining in the Customs Union will maintain seamless transport of goods and services between the UK and the EU until a new trade agreement can be negotiated, while the protection of citizen’s rights, both in the UK and the EU, will safeguard the logistics workforce, FTA said.
A transition period will enable Britain’s businesses to prepare for a seamless transition to new trading arrangements, without concerns over a cliff-edge which could be disastrous for the supply chain.
FTA said it is now calling on parliament to “respect these crucial economic factors” in deciding how it votes, to avoid a disorderly departure from the EU “which could cause untold problems for manufacturers, retailers and exporters, and protect the ability for Britain to keep trading”.
“Based on the briefing I received from the chancellor and the business secretary, the draft text seems to have recognised the vital importance of preserving the frictionless movement of goods and the availability of EU workers while a new permanent trade deal is negotiated,” said FTA chief executive, David Wells.
“If so, we believe it is crucial MPs understand how important these outcomes are to the economy and the economic security and welfare of the country.”
