Row breaks out over latest delay to post-Brexit border checks at Holyhead

A row has broken out following further delays to plans to introduce post-Brexit checks on EU goods being imported into the UK.

The UK Government announced yesterday it would be putting full checks on hold for the fourth time after they were meant to be imposed from July.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Cabinet minister for Brexit Opportunities, said the decision had been made to save businesses up to £1bn a year in costs.

He said the government would be pushing ahead with proposals to digitise the UK’s borders with the use of new technology instead.

Questions have since been raised over what the decision will mean for a proposed border post at Parc Cybi in Holyhead, which is being developed by the Welsh Government and Anglesey Council.

A separate customs post being built by the UK Government at the Roadking lorry park is said not to be affected.

Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Work had been progressing on new border post at Holyhead – now UK Govt pulls the plug again, delaying new checks until 2023.

“Big costs incurred by Welsh Govt and Anglesey council. What a shambles.”

The Welsh Government also issued a statement from Minister for Economy Vaughan Gething.

He said: “Last night, I attended a meeting with UK and devolved government ministers, called at very short notice, at which we were informed that the UK Government would be making an announcement today to suspend the introduction of further border controls until the end of 2023.

“The UK Government expect a technology solution to be introduced at that point.

“At this stage, I have no further detail, other than to refer members to the statement made in Westminster.

“This announcement raises a number of questions, about biosecurity but also for exporters, which my officials will be pursuing urgently. I intend to make a further statement as soon as possible.”

However, Virginia Crosbie, Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, has today put out a statement attacking both Labour and Plaid Cymru.

She accused both parties of “peddling the utter nonsense that the inland border facility at Holyhead is to be axed”.

She said: “This is completely untrue and to continue to publicise this is totally irresponsible and reprehensible.

“The suspension of post-Brexit checks at UK ports does not affect the IBF. All the 200 plus jobs there are perfectly safe.

“It is as embarrassing as it is desperate to make these untrue claims. Even a cursory glance at the UK Government’s announcement would show HMRC is not affected.

“If Labour and Plaid cannot understand government policy announcements, then there’s no greater example that they are unfit to govern.

“If they do know but want to mislead and cause anxiety then they need to find their moral compass. I would love to know which one it is.”

Mr ap Iorwerth hit back after being tagged in the post by Ms Crosbie on Facebook, asking her to point out where he had mentioned the UK Government border post.

He said: “Thanks so much for tagging me in this post, and for sharing your thoughts.

“It’s probably worth listening/reading carefully to what your government’s critics say before issuing a response like this.

“You’ve tagged me here, so I assume this is an accusation you’re levelling at me, but perhaps you can tell me where I’ve stated that the latest change of plan by UK Government relates to the HMRC border post in Holyhead?

“I’m sure I don’t have to point out that there was to be another post-Brexit border post that Welsh Government and Anglesey Council were having to develop.

“Work was well under way, with a developer appointed. Now UK Government has pulled the plug on that, despite the significant investment that had gone into it already. What happens next? Well, we’re not quite sure.

“This came so much out of the blue that it’s a bit early to assess the next steps.

“Shambolic really, and no wonder there’s confusion and concern that there may have been wider implications for border infrastructure.

“So, with my moral compass and understanding of policy firmly in my grasp, on behalf of the people of Anglesey I ask you to request that your government provides as much clarity as possible on this, asap.”