The UK yesterday (18 December) published its strategy for implementing the most effective border operation in the world by 2025.
The UK will retain full access over its borders from 1 January 2021 when it leaves the EU single market at the end of the transition period.
Cabinet ministers Michael Gove, George Eustice, Priti Patel and Steve Barclay co-write that the government is committed to implementing a “joined-up approach to border design, delivery and innovation”.
Six transformations
The ‘2025 UK Border Strategy’ paper outlines six key transformations that the government believes will lead to the UK having the “most effective border in the world” by 2025. These are:
- Developing a “coordinated user-centric” approach to border design in partnership with industry
- A “comprehensive and holistic view of data at the border”
- Establishing “ports of the future” at key crossing points for passengers and traders
- Using “upstream compliance to move processes away from the actual frontier”
- Building capability of staff and in the border industry
- Shaping the “future development of borders worldwide” by facilitating “end-to-end trade and travel
Industry engagement
The government is continuing to invite industry collaboration on the development of the UK’s borders having already invited businesses to contribute to the initial strategy back in August this year.
The government’s Border and Protocol Delivery Group has said it will “hold engagements with industry partners to begin detailed design work underpinning elements of the strategy and development of a detailed delivery roadmap” in the new year.
In the meantime, businesses are invited to direct any questions to bpdg.strategy@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
