Brexit LIVE: Rejoin hammer blow as voters overwhelmingly reject EU return

Britain’s ports are ready for next stage of Brexit borders arrangements, Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, has said – while admitting the main changes will be next summer.

Mr Ballantyne, who was made an OBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours List, said:

“This is another milestone for those involved in trade between Britain and Europe and we are hopeful importers will be ready to follow the new rules.

“There has been a huge amount of hard work from industry and government preparing new systems and processes, which have been developed at some pace. We are optimistic that these new arrangements will work although do expect there to be a small degree of teething difficulties.

“That said, in terms of physical activities, much of the customs processes are relatively straightforward. Most UK ports with European trade are therefore more focused on the introduction of checks on animal and plant based products at Border Control Posts, next July.

“This is where there will be significant changes to borders processes with the likelihood of interventions, delays and even extras costs for British importers.”