UK held to ransom by the EU as it refuses to help clear ports until PM drops ‘Singapore on Thames’

The EU has demanded Boris Johnson drop plans to turn the City into a ‘Singapore on Thames’ global economic powerhouse before it will consider helping unclog the huge backlog of goods at UK ports. The EU is said to be open to discussing how to reduce friction, with shopper complaining of shortages at UK supermarkets … Read more

Ministers put troops on standby to clear backlog at ports

Ministers have put troops on standby to help clear the backlog of goods at British ports amid warnings border disruption could get even worse – but Brussels says it won’t help ease the backlog unless Boris Johnson abandons his plans for a ‘Singapore on the Thames.’   Shoppers have complained of shortages at UK supermarkets of … Read more

Government warns of worsening chaos at Britain’s ports as lorry traffic returns to normal levels

Government warns of worsening chaos at Britain’s ports as lorry traffic returns to normal levels – but Brussels says it won’t help ease backlogs unless Boris abandons his deregulation ambitions Projections from Cabinet Office anticipate Channel traffic’s imminent rise Truckers without requisite customs paperwork or negative test face turn-backs  It comes as Brussels says it … Read more

Panic-buyers queue from 5.50am as ports chaos puts festive meal in jeopardy

Shoppers began queueing at supermarkets from 5.50am this morning as people rushed to buy groceries before Christmas amid a French ban on British hauliers. The country closed their borders to UK travellers as large swathes of the country went into Tier 4 lockdown as the mutant Covid strain spread across parts of London and the … Read more

Ikea says sorry after stock shortages triggered by congestion at UK ports 

British shoppers have been urged to avoid stockpiling food in the event of a No-Deal Brexit. Retailers are increasing stocks to ensure a ‘sufficient supply of essential products’, the British Retail Consortium insisted. The retail trade association also said No-Deal Brexit would impact fresh produce like fruit and vegetables – which cannot be stored for long – … Read more

Ports chaos hits Christmas toys as Barbies, Baby Yodas and Lego sell out

Toy retailers are running out of some of this year’s most popular Christmas gifts as chaos at Britain’s ports adds to a supply shortage. Products close to selling out include Lego sets, Barbie dolls and ‘Baby Yoda’ soft toys – one of 2020’s most sought-after presents. Parents are rushing to find alternatives and are being … Read more

Honda halts production at its Swindon plant due to shortage of car parts after chaos at ports

Honda halts production at its Swindon plant due to shortage of car parts after chaos at ports made worse by Covid – with hauliers blaming new booking system and lack of shipping containers Honda Civic factory in Swindon has temporarily paused production from today  Disruption at the Port of Felixstowe has caused delays for car-giants … Read more

UK ports owner splashes out on a £350m upgrade ahead of Brexit and the return of cruises

UK ports owner splashes out on a £350m upgrade ahead of Brexit and the return of cruises Associated British Ports (ABP) has spent £250m on improving infrastructure  Another £50m has been spent on overhauling the firm’s container terminals  And ABP is splashing out £50m on a cruise ship terminal in Southampton  By City & Finance … Read more

Brexit: Business leaders warn of chaos at ports due to IT system

Business chiefs have warned of the risk of widespread disruption at Channel ports after Brexit because new IT systems set up to handle the transit of more than 17,000 goods a day will not work. Preparations for checks on goods entering and leaving the UK from Kent are likely to cause widespread chaos with the … Read more

Business leaders warn of Brexit chaos at ports due to ‘untested and incomplete’ IT system

Business chiefs have warned of the risk of widespread disruption at Channel ports after Brexit because new IT systems set up to handle the transit of more than 17,000 goods a day will not work. Preparations for checks on goods entering and leaving the UK from Kent are likely to cause widespread chaos with the … Read more