Observations

Over the past year readers may have read social media posts with photos showing long queues at British ports, with Brexit being cited as the cause.

It is of course true that the EU tried to make life as difficult as possible for the UK, following the vote to leave the European Union. Lorry drivers were vocal about some of these difficulties, which included Dutch Customs officers rejecting manifests for “using the wrong colour ink” to French Customs officials adopting a highly bureaucratic approach to any freight involving the UK.

Given that French officials have a reputation – even amongst the French themselves – for being bureaucratic at the best of times, one can only imagine what the UK’s lorry drivers had to put up with.

“Despite Brexit”

Despite all of this, freight has continued to pass through British ports and our report above shows how volumes have been increasing.

The figures would have been even better but for two things. Firstly the freight agents at Southampton – one of the busiest ports in the country – were unable to provide their data to the Department of Transport on time, so their numbers have not been included. It must be assumed that volumes would have been even greater if Southampton’s data had been added.

Secondly there is the question of GB-NI freight traffic. One of the many problems with the N.I. Protocol is that it has resulted in a severe dislocation of trade with Northern Ireland. The High Court in the Province declared that the Protocol has the effect of negating the Act of Union which guarantees free passage of trade with mainland Great Britain.

Whilst we do not have the details, we know from official export data that the goods trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland has suffered considerably, thereby deflating the figures.

Nevertheless, the numbers overall are looking good and they certainly defy another of the Rejoiners’ claims of doom and gloom.

If we didn't publish research like this, who would? The BBC?

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