Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the average length of time it takes for lorries to pass through customs at the Port of Dover.

Recent estimates of the average length of time it takes for lorries to pass through customs at Dover have not been made. Short delays to freight movements have not been caused by new customs processes. The main causes were ship-fitting, which reduces capacity across the short straits, and higher than expected freight volumes. The Goods Vehicle Movement System and other customs systems are online and working as planned.

The Borders are flowing, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and are engaging with industry groups and local stakeholders in Kent.

We always act to preserve the flow, but we will not compromise on the security of the UK at the border. This includes fiscal security. HMRC continues to use a risk based, intelligence-led response to compliance issues working alongside Border Force.