UK poised for “triple whammy” of Brexit trade chaos, MSPs are warned

The UK is facing a "triple" whammy of trade chaos over the looming end of the Brexit transition at the end of the year, MSPs have been told.

Boris Johnson is still confident of a deal with EU chiefs

The country's final departure from EU rules is happening at the "worst possible moment" as Coronavirus cases continues to soar and Christmas looms, while the prospect of a free trade agreement with Brussels looks increasingly grim.

Holyrood's Europe committee was warned today that the likelihood of "bottlenecks, lines and difficulties" for hauliers is growing as the uncertainty over the future trading arrangements with the EU intensifies.

EU chiefs have reacted furiously over the UK's proposed Internal market Bill, aimed at established a new UK single market after Brexit. The UK Government's admission that the legislation will break international law has seen relations nosedive although Boris Johnson remains confident of securing a deal.

Global Customs and Trade Consultant Dr Anna Jerzewska told MSPs today that frictionless trade will cease, even with a free trade deal, but raised fears over the timing of the departure.

"A number of businesses left their Brexit readiness preparations until 2020," she said.

"Unfortunately this was the moment that the pandemic hit and businesses were completely sidelined with Covid 19. Now with the time that we have left, we not only have a potential second wave and the impact that night have on businesses, which are in many cases already struggling and have staff that have been furloughed or let go.

"We have the potential impact of a No deal Brexit and , as a number of people in the supply chain have pointed out, we also have Christmas which is the busiest time for any retailer.

"It's not even a double whammy, it's a triple effect. You have the worst possible moment for any businesses for any significant change."

As trade talks poised to go down to the wire, the expert warned that the prospect of a last minute deal, as the pandemic continues to rage across the UK and the "Christmas madness" will impact on business.

"That's going to be incredibly difficult," she said.

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