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MPs examine post-Brexit customs arrangements

16 October 2018

The Welsh Affairs Committee takes evidence for its Brexit, trade and customs: implications for Wales inquiry with a hearing on the impact of potential customs arrangements on Welsh exports and Welsh ports.

Trade with the EU and the rest of the world is an important contributor to the Welsh economy, and Brexit raises questions about what impact future trade and customs arrangements will have on the movement of goods between Wales and other countries.

Welsh ports accounted for around 11% of overall UK freight traffic for 2016 and they also play a key role in the so-called British “land bridge” – a common route from mainland Europe to Ireland. In 2016, 80% of goods carried in Irish registered HGVs moving between the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe passed through Welsh ports.

Focus of the meeting

This hearing will explore the UK's trade relations and the implications of Brexit, how Welsh ports will be uniquely affected by future customs arrangements and the readiness of Welsh ports for a range of post-Brexit trade scenarios.

Witnesses

Tuesday 16 October, Thatcher Room, Portcullis House

At 2.15pm:

  • Aarti Shankar, Senior Policy Analyst, Open Europe
  • Dr Andrew Potter, Reader in Logistics and Transport, Cardiff University

Further information

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