Department of Transport responds to European Commission contingency action plan

Today (19 December 2018) the European Commission published a ‘no-deal’ contingency action plan.

On transport, it includes a proposal which would ensure the continuation of flights between the UK and the EU and one which would allow UK hauliers to continue to carry goods into the EU.

Their announcement demonstrates a clear commitment to future travel while offering reassurances that both sides will work to maintain UK and EU transport links.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:

The European Commission’s proposals today are welcome.

We need to study the detail, but any steps to ensure UK hauliers can continue carrying goods into the EU in the event of a no deal is good news, as is ensuring flights are maintained between the UK and EU immediately after Brexit.

Whether for business or leisure, travellers can continue to book with confidence.

The UK government has already set out in our technical notices published on 24 September 2018, that we would permit EU airlines to fly to the UK and would expect this to be reciprocated.

And the UK stands ready in principle to consider taking reciprocal steps for EU hauliers coming here.

We will consider the Commission’s proposals in greater detail over the coming days.