“Finally, we have positive news on cross border transport" as UK and EU agree draft deal to scrap Brexit red tape

News the UK and EU have agreed a draft deal on removing some post-Brexit checks has been given a warm welcome by Brittany Ferries who said it was positive news for passengers and hauliers.

Today it has been reported by the BBC that a 200-page draft text for this so called "SPS" [sanitary and phytosanitary] agreement has been circulated to EU nations in Brussels for consideration at a meeting on Wednesday.

It is reported the deal could have the following impact:

• It will bring back passports for British pets being taken into the EU
• The introduction of a youth travel and work scheme.
• Exports to the EU of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from domestic waters and seed potatoes would be able to resume
• It should remove the need for £200 Export Health Certificates, which confirm the product meets the health requirements of the country it is heading to
• It should also end the need for £25 Phytosanitary certificates, which show that plants or plant products are free from pests and diseases
• Inspector fees, organic certificates, some port fees and other checks for exports and imports to and from the EU could be removed

Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu said the changes promise less friction and less paperwork for hauliers and exporters who rely on seaborne links connecting the UK with France and Spain - including those using Portsmouth Port.

He said that while an implementation date is not clear, but the changes cannot come soon enough.

“Finally, we have positive news on cross border transport,” he said. “The agreement will mean less costs for transporters, greater fluidity across borders and less pain for exporters of goods like fresh fish and agricultural products. This is a major step forward and we salute governments on both sides of the Channel for their pragmatism and common sense.

“We also welcome plans to improve prospects for young people and the aim to reintroduce the pet passports scheme. We carry around 100,000 cats and dogs every year, so it’s not just our human customers who will benefit from this historic agreement.”

Brittany Ferries is the biggest company operating out of Portsmouth International Port.