ABPI response to Government-secured Brexit freight capacity

The Department for Transport has announced details of Government-secured freight routes for the end of the Brexit transition period.

The contracts with Brittany Ferries, DFDS, P&O and Stena, collectively worth £77.6 million, will focus on 9 routes serving 8 ports: Felixstowe, Harwich, Hull, Newhaven, Poole, Portsmouth, Teesport and Tilbury.

The contracts will be in place for up to 6 months after the end of the transition period.

In response, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI, said:

“Pharmaceutical companies have been doing everything in their power to prepare for the end of the transition period amidst this global pandemic. That includes getting to grips with the new border arrangements, planning alternative supply routes and increasing stocks where possible.

“Confirmation that the Government has again made additional freight capacity available can help support these plans. We await further information about booking arrangements and how this will work in practice.

“However, ending the transition period without a deal in place will remain extremely challenging for companies. Reaching a deal, including an agreement on medicines, is in the best interest of patients across Europe.”