Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what lessons have been learned by HMRC as a result of the time taken for imported good to pass through ports in December 2020.

December 2020 saw the end of the transition period coinciding with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including requirements for HGV drivers to have COVID tests before entering France. During that time, the Government remained focused on keeping goods moving and avoiding delays at the border.

The Government’s priority continues to be to keep goods moving and avoid delays at the border, but as the Government has made consistently clear, we will not compromise on the security of the UK at the border.

HMRC continues to use a risk based and intelligence-led response to compliance issues, working alongside Border Force to ensure interventions are carried out in a way that minimises delays and additional burdens for legitimate trade, while robustly ensuring compliance.