Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 58
We welcome the phased approach of the Border Operating Model, however we are concerned about...
Conclusion
We welcome the phased approach of the Border Operating Model, however we are concerned about the readiness of Welsh ports, and availability of infrastructure and capacity at or near ports, to deal with new customs processes from January 2021. We are particularly concerned about the potential for delays at the Port of Holyhead. Any delays at ports could have a significant impact on the flow of goods. We are particularly worried that the required infrastructure to conduct border checks is not yet up and running, given the very limited time remaining before the end of the transition period.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focuses on promoting Welsh produce and securing new market access through FTAs, but does not address the committee's concerns about the readiness of Welsh ports, infrastructure capacity, or potential delays at Holyhead for new customs processes.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
58
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
From July 2021, infrastructure will be needed to meet the further requirements of full border controls on EU goods as set out in the Border Operating Model. In July 2020, the Government committed to spending £705 million on new border infrastructure to support ports in building extra capacity to meet the new control requirements where there is space to do so. This funding was provided for improved IT systems as well as for infrastructure at ports (through the £200 million Port Infrastructure Fund—PIF) and at Inland Border Facilities (£270 million) to support ports which do not have the space to build new infrastructure on site. Holyhead, Pembroke and Fishguard have all been allocated funding from the PIF to deliver on-site infrastructure at the port. The UK Government is also working with the Welsh Government to deliver Inland Border Facilities in North and South Wales to accommodate necessary checks which cannot be accommodated on-site due to space constraints. Timescales for inland facilities are challenging but the UK Government is working closely with the Welsh Government to speed up delivery, including regular discussions between Ministers. The provision of inland facilities for Holyhead is a shared responsibility between HMRC and the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government is responsible for facilities for South West Wales because it has devolved responsibility for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗