The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
More than £700m to be spent on UK-EU border
POLITICS: Cash to ensure Britain’s systems completely operational by official Brexit date
More than £700 million is to be spent on building infrastructure, hiring staff and developing technology to ensure Britain’s border systems are fully operational when the UK leaves the EU at the end of the year.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the major investment would ensure traders and the border industry are able to “manage the changes and seize the opportunities” when the transition period ends in December.
The £705m package includes £235m for staffing and IT systems, and £470m for port and inland infrastructure to ensure compliance with new customs procedures and controls.
New border infrastructure will be built inland where there is no space at ports, while ports will get one-off financial support to ensure the right infrastructure is in place.
Of the £235m for staffing and IT systems:
£100m will be used to develop HMRC systems to reduce the burden on traders.
£20m will be spent on new equipment to keep the country safe.
£15m will go towards building new data infrastructure to enhance border flow and management.
£10m will be used to recruit around 500 more Border Force personnel.
The funding relates only to the implementation of the GB-EU border, and the government is expected to publish specific guidance and measures for Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
Mr Gove said: “We are taking back control of our borders and leaving the single market and the customs union bringing changes and opportunities for which we all need to prepare.
“That is why we are announcing this major package of investment.
“With or without further agreement with the EU, this £705m will ensure that the necessary infrastructure, tech and border personnel are in place so our traders and the border industry are able to manage the changes and seize the opportunities as we lay the foundations for the world’s most effective and secure border.”
The transition period is set to end at
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We are taking back control of our borders and leaving the single market. MICHAEL GOVE
the end of December when the UK will leave the single market and customs union. Mr Gove said “progress is being made” on a trade deal with the EU, but that differences still remain.
He told BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show: “Everyone in government wants to make sure that our departure from the European Union is a success.
“And whether or not we secure a Canada-style trade deal with the EU, we will be outside both the single market and the customs union come what may.
“And that means business needs to take some steps and government certainly needs to take some steps in order to make sure that we’re ready and that’s the basis of the announcement today.”