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News Desk


Report highlights negative effects of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit


The UK Parliament published a report in July outlining the negative consequences for UK businesses in the case of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. The report analyses in more detail certain specific sectors, namely services, automotive, food and farming, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, research and higher education, and concludes that a no-deal, non-cooperative relationship cannot be the desired end state for UK-EU economic relations. The report concludes that it is clear from the evidence


that the economies of the UK and the EU27 are closely entwined through highly integrated supply chains operating in the car industry, other areas of manufacturing and the agri-food sector. UK exports of goods and services to its largest and closest market also operate on the basis of frameworks of regulatory provision applicable to transport of food produce, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive parts and the flow of data. The UK’s exports of services and its higher education system rely on agreed provisions on recognition of


qualifications and frameworks for collaboration in research and student exchanges. A no-deal exit would represent a sudden rupture for all of these sectors. The closeness of the economic relationship is most


evident in the agri-food sector on the island of Ireland. Those businesses that have not prepared for no deal will clearly be more affected than those that have. The UK would also risk a great deal of goodwill with its trade partners by pursuing a no-deal exit. The final conclusion of the report states that some


have argued that a no-deal exit would bring the EU “back to the table” and that the UK would secure a better deal as a result. This is, at best, a gamble. At worst, it could lead to severe disruption of the economy, pose a fundamental risk to the competitiveness of key sectors of the UK economy, and put many jobs and livelihoods at risk. The full report can be viewed


https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmsel ect/cmexeu/2560/2560.pdf


Regional winners are announced in Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year 2019


TT Club and FIATA have announced the regional winners of the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year competition. In introducing these bright young


professionals, FIATA President Babar Badat said: “Encouraging more young professionals to join the FIATA community has always been a priority for me. I am encouraged again to see these excellent candidates presenting dissertations that cover a wide range of logistic subjects, which demonstrate the challenges that forwarders face every day, and the customised solutions they are able to offer. My sincere congratulations to the four regional winners who are...” Europe – Evgeniya Khokhlova, Russia (FAR), Africa/Middle East – Enos Chapra, Zimbabwe (SFAAZ), Americas – Rachael van Harmelen,


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Canada (CIFFA), Asia Pacific – Phillip Burgess, New Zealand (CBAFF). Mike Yarwood, TT Club’s Senior


Loss Prevention Executive and chairman of the award steering committee commented: “In the current challenging global trade environment, where supply chains are under increasing pressure to adapt quickly to regulatory, political and economic pressures, we at TT Club believe the training and professional advancement of young freight operators must be paramount.” “This award aims to contribute to


the development of quality professionals and reward young talent. “TT Club has had the honour to


sponsor the competition throughout its 20-plus years of existence.” The entries this year were, as


ever, of a high standard and drew from a wide range of dissertation


topics. The work of the entrants demonstrated the complexity of processes carried out within the global supply chain and the logistics skills required to serve it. Both FIATA and TT Club wish to


thank all those individuals who entered this year’s competition and also to acknowledge their employers and national freight forwarding associations for the enthusiasm and commitment they have shown to ongoing training with the international logistics and freight forwarding sector.


Represent the UK next year To be in with a chance of representing BIFA and the UK in the 2020 competition, you need to enter the BIFA Young Freight Forwarder of the Year Award. Entries are open now, see https://awards.bifa.org/enter- now/young-forwarder-award for details and entry form.


www.bifa.org


2018 consultation and next steps for the Lower Thames Crossing


Highways England has published a project update on its latest plans for a Lower Thames Crossing. This includes information regarding responses it received during the ten-week statutory consultation, which closed at the end of 2018.


The public consultation on the Lower Thames Crossing received nearly 29,000 detailed responses, with almost 15,000 people attending a programme of 60 events held over a 10- week period, and hundreds of thousands more engaging with the project online. The responses were detailed


and provided substantial perspectives. Many have raised important issues, and these will influence the continued development of the project. There is significant support for Highways England’s proposals, with more than 80% of respondents backing the need for a new crossing and 70% supporting the location. The agency is now


considering the consultation responses in detail as they continue designing the project. It is intended to deliver the


new crossing in a way that has the smallest possible impact on the nearby communities and environment.


Highways England intends to submit its planning application (Development Consent Order application) in summer 2020. The target for the road opening is 2027.


For more information about the Lower Thames Crossing


project visit www.lowerthamescrossing.co.uk


September 2019


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