British Retail Consortium responds to Brexit White Paper

Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, has responded to the publication of the Brexit White Paper:

"The British Retail Consortium has made it clear that a frictionless customs system is vital for retail businesses so it is encouraging to have seen some progress within the white paper, but the retail industry still needs clarity on how this will be facilitated. A well organised, functioning frictionless customs arrangement is essential to ensure our fragile food supply chains are maintained to allow consumers to continue to access the choice and value of goods they are accustomed to."

On tariffs:

"We welcome the progress made on tariffs but need further clarity about what a phased system would look like in practice and on how a backstop arrangement would work."

On customs:

"A functioning frictionless customs arrangement is essential to ensure our fragile food supply chains are maintained and we welcome the proposal of a Free Trade Area which would eliminate the need for most border controls and delays at the border. However, industry needs further clarity as to how the proposed tracking system would work in practice and an understanding of the costs involved and who would bear these."

On immigration:

"The retail industry is supported by a high percentage of employees from across the European Union. Some 170,000 EU nationals are employed in retail in various roles. A mobility framework which allows retailers access to European employment markets is essential if the industry is to access the numbers of employees it needs."

Source : BRC

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