The Government has started a new campaign warning businesses to prepare for life outside the EU.
The UK is due to leave the European Union trading bloc on 31st December after almost a year in a transition period following the UK’s exit from the EU. The 1st January is set to mark a change in the Anglo-European trading arrangement. However, it is still not known precisely what these new rules would be.
A new business campaign has been launched, known as the “Time is running out” campaign. This will see HMRC write to 200,000 traders who have dealings with the EU, setting out the new rules when trading with the EU. The arrangements stated will form the outline of a no-deal outcome.
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The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, said: “At the end of this year, we are leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union and this means there are both new challenges and new opportunities for businesses.
“Make no mistake, there are changes coming in just 75 days and time is running out for businesses to act.
“It is on all of us to put in the work now so that we can embrace the new opportunities available to an independent trading nation with control of its own borders, territorial waters and laws.”
Despite the Government seemingly expressing the likelihood of a no-deal outcome, Mr Gove has also said that the door for an EU trade deal was still “ajar” and that the Government “hope the EU will change their position.”
The actions advised by the Government for preparing for a no-deal exit include: being ready for new customs measures, being prepared to apply for work visas and being wary of the new immigration rules coming into place following the UK’s exit.
