If logistics businesses are to fulfil the industry’s potential to drive growth through increased trade with Europe, the European Partnership Bill announced in today’s King’s Speech will put the sector on the road towards easier trading relationships with the continent, according to business group Logistics UK.

“Our members are critical to every trading move between the UK and the EU, our closest trading partner,” says Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK’s Chief Executive, “but have been hampered since the UK’s departure from the trading bloc by greater administrative red tape that has slowed processes and increased costs. Any delay at the border adds time and cost to every transaction – costs which impact the supply chain and, ultimately, the bottom line.

“We have been pressing government for some time to consider ways to make UK/EU trade simpler, so today’s announcement of a framework of powers to ease business between the UK and our largest trading market is very welcome. We need goods to move smoothly and swiftly across borders without administrative delays, rather than becoming bogged down in processes which act as a roadblock to potential growth.

“This Bill is a strong start to resetting trading relations with the EU, by addressing SPS and emissions trading and allowing for powers to be extended to new treaties with the EU in the future. With this in mind, to fully unlock growth and economic opportunities, we also calling for closer alignment on customs to be prioritised by government.”

The post Logistics UK calls for greater European alignment appeared first on Air Cargo Week.