EDM: Supporting UK hauliers and reducing border friction through UK–EU cooperation

Supporting UK hauliers and reducing border friction through UK–EU cooperation

Tabled by Dr Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) 28 signatures

The motion

That this House notes with deep concern that post-Brexit trading arrangements have placed severe strain on the UK haulage sector, with the number of haulage companies entering insolvency nearly doubling between 2016–2020 and 2021–2025; regrets the Government’s failure to adequately support the sector in adapting to these conditions; further notes that the full enforcement of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will impose additional administrative and operational burdens at the border, with hauliers already struggling to adapt; acknowledges industry warnings that up to 80% of operators expect a decline in business and that the economic impact could reach as high as £400 million; expresses grave concern that failure to act will have a catastrophic impact on haulage firms, disrupt UK supply chains, and drive up the cost of food and goods for households already facing sustained cost of living pressures; also notes that the Government has failed to set out sufficient support for hauliers ahead of EES implementation; urges the Government to immediately secure an agreement with the European Union to allow British HGV drivers to register biometric details away from the border, reducing friction and delays; and calls on Ministers to begin negotiations with European partners on a new, bespoke UK–EU customs union, recognising this as the single biggest lever available to boost business, deliver growth, and slash unnecessary Brexit bureaucracy.

Signatories (28)