Dawlish Discussion

I've mentioned in another thread (Food) issues concerning the movement of lorries in and out of this country when we have left the EU and how new customs procedures may impact on the fluidity (or otherwise) of their movement. 

I noticed in this week's Gazette that the MP for Central Devon, Mel Stride, makes reference to the Customs Bill which concerns the above and which is presently going through Parliament.

Here is an extract from what he says:

" ..........we believe that it is in our best interests for our customs arrangements post-departure to ensure that there is minimum of friction at the border. Especially for our roll-on roll-off ferry ports such as Dover where we need to make sure that trade continues to flow without undue restriction, or these ports will grind to a halt with serious tailbacks".    

How did we ever manage before the single market came into effect in 1993?

"there has been a fourfold increase in the number of lorries coming in and out of Britain via Kent since customs barriers within the EU were abolished in 1992."

From: www.economist.com/news/britain/21720274-while-goods-european-union-pass-through-seamlessly-those-elsewhere-face-long

All those lorries, all that pollution.  Perhaps we should eat food that is more local to us.  When I was young we ate according to the season, it was no great hardship.

Yes, lets not hinder the illegal transportation and import of drugs, people and guns through our ports from Europe.

Even the mobile x-ray units for checking containers/trailers at U.K. ports was stopped because it was against the human rights of illegal immigrants coming into the country.

The U.K. is like a ship at sea with no one to steer it and I believe there is an iceberg on the horizon.

I don't have a problem with eating food that is more local to us. And continental Europe is a darn site nearer to us than anywhere else on the planet (barring the Republic of Ireland).

   @Diane Mondeo - if, say, just for the sake of argument, we were to have no imports whatsoever from continental europe do you really believe that would stop the illegal imports of drugs, people and guns?   

and aren't portable Carbon Dioxide detectors used on lorries to see if they are carrying any persons that they shouldn't? I'll swear I've seen them being used on the various tv programmes that get shown about customs procedures.