Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he plans to have with representatives of the (a) Freight Transport Association and (b) Trades Unions on the Government's plans for (i) customs arrangements and (ii) freight and haulage in the UK after the UK leaves the EU.

Government Ministers and officials meet frequently with key stakeholders, including the Freight Trade Association and Trade Unions, as part of our comprehensive engagement on EU exit.

In the recently published White Paper on the Future Relationship Between the UK and the EU, the Government set out that we will explore options for a reciprocal access deal for road hauliers and passenger transport operators. There is a strong mutual interest in reaching an ambitious agreement, which maximises benefits for all our citizens and businesses. We will continue to work with industry to ensure that the interests of the logistics sector are properly reflected as we start to negotiate our withdrawal from the EU.

The White Paper sets out a new proposal for a Facilitated Customs Arrangement (FCA). The FCA is a business-friendly model that seeks to facilitate the greatest possible trade between the UK and its trading partners, whether in Europe or rest of world, while allowing the UK to set its own tariffs. The Government will continue to work with the FTA and other key stakeholders to resolve the remaining areas of detail.

The Government is committed to continuing to engage with stakeholders to ensure that their views and concerns are fully understood and taken into account and to ensure that our planning is effective and practical.