Idea of temporary customs union with EU welcomed by NFU

NFU President Meurig Raymond has called for a transitional deal that maintains as 'free and frictionless' trade in agri-food products
NFU President Meurig Raymond has called for a transitional deal that maintains as 'free and frictionless' trade in agri-food products

The UK government has put forward the idea of a temporary customs union with Europe to avoid the damage of a ‘cliff-edge’ departure.

A government paper, published this week, said the UK is seeking a new customs arrangement that facilitates the “freest and most frictionless” trade possible in goods between the UK and the EU.

The paper said it wants to allow the UK to forge new trade relationships with its partners in Europe and around the world.

The NFU has welcomed the idea, saying that sheep farmers could suffer the most from any return of tariffs.

However, the Welsh Government said it was “disappointed” a permanent post-Brexit customs union was not discussed.

The Welsh farming sector has previously warned the government that it is in danger of 'being set back decades' when the UK leaves the European Union.

It also comes as farm leaders say uncertainty is 'damaging' farming and that trade with Europe was 'vital' for the sector.

’Stability’

Commenting on the Government’s paper on future customs arrangements, NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “The NFU, along with other farming organisations, has long called for a transitional deal that maintains as free and frictionless trade in agri-food products as possible and it is pleasing to see Government recognise the concerns of the sector.

“In recent discussions with the Chancellor, the NFU reinforced the need for a transitional arrangement post-Brexit that sees the UK and EU continuing to trade within a customs union, and I’m pleased to see the government appear to accept this as the best way forward.

“Such an arrangement would provide farmers and growers with the stability and continuity needed to continue running competitive and profitable farming businesses.

“It is crucial that swift progress is made on the current phase of Brexit negotiations so the crucial issue of the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU, including the precise nature of both the interim and long-term customs agreements, can be discussed as soon as possible.”

Britain has also promised the Irish Government there will be no 'hard border' after Brexit, after rising tensions between the two governments.