Plans for ‘border control points’ for Pembrokeshire ports

PEMBROKESHIRE council had contacted UK government about concerns about port procedures following Brexit.

The details of ‘border control points’ for Fishguard and Pembroke Dock ports and the vehicles transporting goods through them are being discussed currently, Dr Steven Jones, director of communities said.

An update on Covid 19 recovery in the county included reference to the ports and Brexit, with a report by the Institute of Government indicating that the “economic impact of Brexit could be far worse concerns that the impact of leaving Europe could be “greater than Covid in the long term.”

Dr Jones added that the final version of the UK Government’s ‘border operating model’ was released last month leaving “very little time to put in place the requirements” with matters more complicated in Wales with Welsh Government responsible for some areas.

Members of the services overview and scrutiny committee heard on Tuesday (November 17) that Dr Jones had written to HMRC, DEFRA and Michael Gove to outline concerns about the impact on the ports if border control points were not established.

Welsh Government is now leading on the plans for border control points, with two smaller control points, rather than one large one as initially considered, will be created to serve Pembroke Dock and Fishguard.

A cross department team was working with the consultants appointed to look at site requirements, Dr Jones added.

A detailed Brexit preparedness plan is due to go to cabinet later this month and then full council in December, outlining financial, agriculture, port and haulage impacts as well as supply implications.