Condor: Supply routes have been ‘safeguarded’

Condor: Supply routes have been ‘safeguarded’

The company’s message follows the leak of an alleged secret UK government dossier to The Sun newspaper detailing how UK authorities might respond to worst-case scenario situations after Brexit.

According to concerns outlined previously, it is feared that following a no-deal Brexit, French authorities could start carrying out stricter customs checks, leading to severe delays at Dover – the port predominantly used by road haulage companies.

As a result, it is thought that trucks would instead divert to other major ports, such as Portsmouth, and cause congestion there too – potentially preventing Channel Islands-bound cargo from being loaded onto Condor’s freight ships in a timely manner.

However, Paul Luxon, Condor’s chief executive, has downplayed concerns, saying that measures have been put in place to secure supply routes against disruption.

He said: ‘For the past three years, we have been liaising with the UK, Channel Islands and French authorities on the implications of the British withdrawal and through the UK Chamber of Shipping’s working party on Brexit.

‘Condor is recognised by the States in both islands as Customs clearance agents after developing very streamlined procedures and documentation covering manifest declarations, safety and security and entry permits.

‘We have therefore received assurances that our slots in Portsmouth are safeguarded for our twice-daily departures, so remain confident that the just-in-time freight supply chain of food, medical and other consignments will continue well into the future.’

However, the company has raised concerns that, following a no-deal Brexit, it would be unlikely that EU citizens would be allowed to travel to Jersey or Guernsey using national ID cards – something which 30% to 40% of Condor’s passengers use to clear Customs.

It is feared that instead of spending money to acquire a valid passport, many of those currently using ID cards would simply opt not to travel

to the Channel Islands.

‘We discovered last year that a hard Brexit could mean everyone arriving will need a passport, as an ID card is not considered a valid travel document,’ Mr Luxon added.

‘It is unlikely every visitor will want to spend €85 on a passport just to come to Jersey or Guernsey, so the impact in terms of falling tourism numbers may be felt across the Islands and the UK too.

‘We have been engaging with the States in both Islands and making representations at UK government level as this is a very serious matter and certainly not the news we would want after such a difficult and challenging 2020.’

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