UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that there was a plan for a no-deal Brexit scenario, but retailers from Sainsbury's to Marks & Spencer want details.
The British Retail Consortium, which represents most of the country’s biggest brands, has a lot riding on how the government manages a messy transition out of the European Union. Businesses want more time to prepare and specifics on how trade won’t be derailed.
Potential Solutions
In the event of a no-deal, the UK’s supply of fresh food would be disrupted, as Britain imports half the food it eats. A government document on customs attempted to sketch out how ports would treat goods, but it “throws up more questions than answers," according to William Bain, policy adviser at the BRC.
One government suggestion was a computerised system that could notify ports of incoming shipments before they arrive, as well as minimising checks on goods exported by pre-authorised businesses.
Companies selling clothes and food want to know the size and scope of additional investments in ports, as well as the facilities bought to perform checks.
