EXTRA PORT IN BREXIT STORM
Plans are being drawn-up to expand the port of Ramsgate to ease pressure on Dover in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Reports say Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has earmarked up to £200million to enable Ramsgate in Kent to cope with more freight traffic.
It comes amid warnings of gridlock at Dover, leading to major business disruption and potential food shortages in the event of new customs checks next March.
The Dover-Calais route is a key trade link to Europe.
Reports say using Ramsgate’s link to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam would not only spread the impact of checks but boost trade with Belgium.
It came as the pound fell yesterday amid fresh doubts over whether Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plans will be approved.
Bank of England Deputy Governor Ben Broadbent said he still thought Britain would leave the EU next year with a transition deal.
But he warned the economy was set to slow further as Brexit uncertainty hit business investment.