HTA comment on the Government's response to the EFRA select committee report on ‘UK-EU Trade: Towards a resilient border strategy’

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented:

“Whilst we fully back and commend the UK Government's ambition for an 'SPS' trade agreement including plant health, this response shows why it cannot come soon enough and why we need action on today's border operations.

“The government response arrives at a time when delays, damage, and costs are piling up for the plant sector at UK borders, including at Sevington Border Control Point (BCP). We're disappointed by the rejection of our constructive proposal to utilise the ‘POD’ system for at-destination checks as a pragmatic and cost-effective solution.

“We've called for an urgent summit to focus on how we can ensure our members - businesses delivering good green jobs across the UK – can see quick action on the border and can stop being hit with unnecessary pain, costs, and administrative burdens. We urgently need certainty, confidence, and constructive engagement.”