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Britain's FTA tells Brexit negotiators to be safe and risk nothing

BRITAIN's Freight Transport Association (FTA) has repeated its calls for the British government to ensure freight continues to move freely throughout Europe.

"Prime Minister Theresa May has already indicated that the UK will leave the EU without a deal if the government cannot reach a suitable agreement within the two-year timeline," said the FTA.

"Under this scenario, businesses would suddenly have to face controls, checks and delays at the border with very little time to adapt to new rules and arrangements."

The FTA has warned that any delays at the border - especially around major transport modes such as ports - and additional red tape will jeopardise freight operations, especially those handling time-sensitive and perishable goods, and are likely to add costs which will filter down to the consumer.

The FTA's call echoes that of the UK freight forwarder lobby, the British International Freight Association (BIFA), and the aerospace industry, reports London's Air Cargo News.

FTA members, representing shippers forwarders, logistics providers, contribute more than GBP21 billion gross value added to Britain's economy every year and employs 2.54 million people, 11 per cent of whom are foreign EU nationals.

FTA European policy chief Pauline Bastidon: "The government must not underestimate the impact of Brexit on the industry if not managed carefully.

"Businesses run on predictability - anything that causes uncertainty creates problems in terms of operating, costing and forward planning. Leaving the EU without a deal and an agreement on a transitional period would be the worst possible scenario," she said.