FTA backs May vision for tariff-free trade

The Freight Transport Association has backed Prime Minister Teresa May’s vision of “tariff-free and frictionless trade” with the European Union and free trade agreements with other partners globally.

May set out her Brexit strategy in a speech that made it clear that she would not seek “partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out.

“We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave.”

However, she said that when the European Communities Act was repealed, the body of existing EU law would be converted into British law.

The FTA said her statement would allow the FTA to identify where the new ‘friction points’ in international trade could occur and work with the government to negotiate the best possible outcome for UK businesses.

It also highlighted the fact that the UK road transport industry is highly reliant on EU nationals who work as drivers, warehouse operatives and in other roles.

“The continued ability of FTA members to employ and recruit these key workers will be essential to their future business success and FTA will be seeking assurances that the government recognises and accommodates the essential needs of the logistics sector.”