Freight forwarders urge for common sense and compromise as UK-EU future relationship negotiations commence

Ahead of this afternoon’s first formal meeting for the negotiation of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, Robert Keen, the director general of the British International Freight Association says that both sides should do everything they can to achieve a free-trade agreement with zero tariffs and zero quotas.

Keen says: “As a trade association that represents companies that handle the majority of the UK’s visible trade, we recognise that the UK and EU have now revealed their hands. Our members  understand that today is only the beginning of months of complex talks, with many challenging areas that will require flexibility from both sides if an agreement is to be reached.

“Common sense and compromise will be needed to avoid a no-deal scenario at the end of 2020, and every effort should now be made to ensure that trade between the UK and the EU will be done across borders that are as frictionless as possible -, something that we have always campaigned for - with our members hands not tied by costly red tape and over complex customs arrangements.

“BIFA has always stated its belief that a no-deal scenario would be the worst outcome, as it is likely to increase trade barriers and impose significant restrictions on the exchange of goods between the EU and the UK.”

BIFA says it will continue to work with government to advise, guide and offer practical solutions to the various departments it deals with, whilst encouraging its members to remain focussed and continue to prepare for all eventualities.