Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the possible disruption of cargo flows through the Channel ports as a result of the UK leaving the EU is a material consideration when deciding which new road schemes to progress, particularly those that will enhance connectivity to other major English ports.

Her Majesty’s Government’s objective is to ensure frictionless movement through our ports is as frictionless as possible, whatever the outcome of the negotiations with the EU.

However, we are investing in schemes that will improve reliability of routes connecting ports to accommodate disruption whatever the cause. Highways England will shortly start the consultation process on a permanent solution for Operation Stack and, from early 2019, it will implement a contraflow scheme that can be deployed between junctions 8 to 9 of the M20, to alleviate serious disruption to cross-Channel traffic and its impact on residents and businesses in Kent.