Early effects of post-Brexit trade, borders and customs to be considered by Welsh Affairs Committee

26 January 2021

The Welsh Affairs Committee holds a one-off session to take stock of the initial operation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and post-Brexit checks and processes on GB-EU trade, including their impact on trade flows across the Irish Sea.

Witnesses

Thursday 4 February 2021, virtual meeting

At 9.30am

Chris Yarsley, Policy Manager – Wales, Midlands and South West, Logistics UK
Pete Robertson, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation Cymru
Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities, Stena Line
Ian Price, Wales Director, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

On 1 January, the UK’s trade relationship with the EU changed when the Brexit transition period ended. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation agreement removed the threat of tariffs on the vast majority of goods, but businesses still face non-tariff barriers, such as more stringent customs and border checks.

The Committee will question a panel of industry representatives from Logistics UK, the Food and Drink Federation Cymru, Stena Line and the CBI to consider the implications of the new trading arrangements.

This session is likely to include discussion on:

how businesses in Wales are adapting to the new trading arrangements with the EU;
the impact of non-tariff barriers, such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks, on Welsh businesses who export to EU markets; and
the future of the landbridge for trade to and from the European Union and the implications for Welsh ports (in particular Holyhead) of increased direct ferry services from the Republic of Ireland to mainland Europe.

Further information

Image: N. Jahannes/Wikimedia Commons