Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to use Manston airport as an inland, pre-customs clearing port for outward freight in relation to his Department's freight network capacity plans in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

In the event of leaving the EU without a deal, HMRC’s plans allow for the border to operate without significant new infrastructure. In preparation for an April no deal, HMRC announced a number of easements to help businesses adjust to the new arrangements and developed temporary solutions to support transit movements at a small number of locations to address expected pressure on existing infrastructure. HMRC worked closely with Department for Transport and local agencies to expand capacity in Kent, including the use of Manston to support transit movements.

HMRC has continued to listen to stakeholders as part of their preparation for all EU Exit scenarios. HMRC are actively reviewing their plans to develop a more resilient infrastructure solution for transit movements in Kent in the event of a no deal exit on 31 October.