Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they are making for customs arrangements after Brexit; and what discussions they have had with (1) port users, and (2) port operators in (a) the UK, and (b) mainland Europe, on the possible impact of Brexit.

The Government has been clear that as we leave the European Union, we will also leave the EU Customs Union. In assessing the options for the UK’s future outside the Customs Union, the Government is guided by what delivers the greatest economic advantage to the UK, and by its strategic objectives:

• Ensuring UK-EU trade is as frictionless as possible;

• Avoiding a ‘hard border’ between Ireland and Northern Ireland; and

• Establishing an independent international trade policy.

  On 6^th July 2018, the Government released a statement confirming it will publish a White Paper which will set out proposals for the future relationship with the EU. This includes proposals that the UK and the EU would work together on the phased introduction of a new Facilitated Customs Arrangement that would remove the need for customs checks and controls between the UK and the EU as if a combined customs territory. The precise nature of the new customs arrangement is subject to negotiations with the EU

  HMRC and other departments working with the Border Delivery Group are engaging port users and operators, domestically and at key EU ports, to understand what the synergies and constraints are in different locations, and to ensure locations are operationally ready to meet the requirements of future customs arrangements with the EU.