Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had recent discussions with industry stakeholders on (a) the border target operating model and (b) the potential impact of that model on (i) trade and (ii) customs operations.

The UK Government is prepared for the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model.

The Border Target Operating Model takes an innovative approach to controls, making use of technology and data to make it simple for businesses to trade while maintaining the flow and security of goods. The controls introduced through the Border Target Operating Model are designed to keep the UK safe, protecting our food supply-chains and our agricultural sector from disease outbreaks that would cause significant economic harm.

We have and will continue to work with the European Commission as well as individually with EU Member States to ensure local authorities are prepared for the controls. The Border Target Operating Model was developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders. We continue to publish further advice on gov.uk, and we engage directly with EU-based businesses and UK businesses through webinars, established business-government and commodity-specific fora to raise awareness of the forthcoming controls and seek feedback to address any concerns.

In accordance with usual practice, we are undertaking a programme of operational testing with users of the border prior to the changes being implemented to ensure that any potential issues are identified and resolved. We will continue to monitor preparedness and to support businesses as the Border Target Operating Model is implemented.