Opinion: EU Reset the Biggest U-Turn to Date

Mike Parr, CEO UK & Ireland, PML Seafrigo shares his concerns on the EU Reset.

In 2016, 52% of the UK voted to leave the European Union in what is now referred to as the Brexit referendum. According to Parliament UK a referendum is when a question is decided by putting it to a public vote. Referendums are an example of direct democracy. Clearly, we no longer live in a democracy.

Yesterday’s EU reset announcement makes a mockery of the last nine years. During this period, businesses in the supply chain associated with the fresh produce industry have put a huge amount of time, effort – not to mention significant financial investment - to establish appropriate protocols within the new Brexit trading landscape.

Producers, logistics suppliers, industry stakeholders and government representatives attended countless meetings to work towards a solution which would allow a fair and seamless transfer of produce into and out of the UK. To say this has been a difficult road to travel is an understatement. The challenging number of U-turns, the persistent failure to listen to those working within the sector, the inability to meet deadlines, the constant whitewashing to suit each government’s agenda, I could go on.

Many companies – including PML Seafrigo – have worked tirelessly to try and remain ahead of the curve and to be “Brexit fit”. In our case, we went as far as investing in a transport and logistics hub with remote HMRC / Defra approved Border Control Post status to enable a faster transit of consignments out of the Port of Dover.

The site incorporated specialist inspection amenities for Defra personnel. We addressed the need for best-in-class facilities for drivers to match the fundamental services available to them in other European countries. We were at the front of the queue to apply for training to acquire Authorised Operator Status.

Just two weeks ago, discussions were held regarding the much-anticipated plant health border checks, due to commence 1st July. Baroness Hayman insisted there was to be no easement on the deadline and that the new required checks would be rolled out – this despite the issues the industry has repeatedly flagged concerning Sevington’s inability to cope with the required level of inspections.

We also voiced our concerns regarding the absence of a definitive list of produce classified as Medium Risk, the lack of clarity regarding the Common User Charge and the unacceptably long evaluation of the pilot Authorised Operator scheme.

And now the Prime Minister has acted unilaterally to reset the rules. Without consulting the nation. Whatever your political persuasion, the fact remains that Brexit was the choice of the UK population, this maverick behaviour is inconsistent with the notion that Britain is a democracy.

We are now faced with the biggest U-turn of them all. And true to form, without any firm guidance to those affected most. There are no specific timings on when the new SPS protocol will start which will cause further bedlam at the border. In the absence of clear guidance, do we default to the original BTOM plans due to come into effect on 1st July or are we able to kickstart the Authorised Operator Status scheme?

Is the government planning to rollout official inspections throughout a 24/7 window? No thought has been given to the negative impact of inspection checks for non-EU fresh produce, which as Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive at the FPC correctly states accounts for 50% of fresh produce imports.

These are countries that have stood by the UK during what can only be described as highly turbulent times. We’ve forged excellent working relationships with non-EU suppliers to maintain the year-round supply of produce.

How can it be fair to now penalise those that have helped us simply because the government has failed miserably in its attempt to deliver on a cohesive border strategy? And has the government given any thought as to how businesses might be reimbursed for all the time and money spent on working towards the original Brexit plan?

The consumer will be oblivious to all the preparations made by those in the supply chain following the EU exit, to ensure compliance with the government’s instructions. They may be about to find out with the chaos that is about to ensue.

I truly despair as to what the future holds.