Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that the port of Dover is able to manage its customs clearance operations after the UK leaves the EU without increasing the level of administration undertaken by small businesses.

The Government recognises the importance of trade fluidity through the UK’s key ports to the country’s economy, and is committed to ensuring that trade is as frictionless as possible through the Port of Dover, the Channel Tunnel, and the local road network.

Government ministers and officials from several departments have met ports and other relevant stakeholders as part of our comprehensive engagement on EU exit. Most of our detailed engagement with ports and stakeholders has taken place in the context of the Border Delivery Group steering group meetings, and in technical workshops.

The precise nature of any new customs arrangement will be determined in negotiations with the EU.