Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of border delays resulting from additional customs formalities on (a) the profitability of UK exporters and (b) the uninterrupted supply of goods to UK markets.

Through the gradual implementation of our sovereign import controls in lieu of the EU’s import controls, as set out in the Border Operating Model, HM Revenue and Customs (an agency of HM Treasury) is taking a pragmatic and flexible approach that will give industry extra time to prepare for the new procedures and reduces the likelihood of border controls leading to border disruption.

We recognise the trading environment has changed for British exporters. To meet this new world head-on, capitalise on the opportunities today, and maintain our prosperity in the global marketplace of tomorrow, we are focusing on developing the capabilities needed by businesses to boost exports around the world.