Brexit and transport: trade, standards and movement – Lords launches inquiry

The House of Lords EU Internal Market Committee will look at the opportunities and challenges that Brexit poses to the UK's road, maritime and rail networks, with the aim of informing and influencing public debate on the issues and Government considerations.

On 7 June 2018 the Government published a paper on the future UK-EU framework for transport. The paper emphasised the role played by cross border transport networks in underpinning international trade as well as performing an essential social function.

The paper set out the Government's broad objectives for the four major modes of transport:

• Aviation: market access arrangements, safety and security regulation and air traffic management.
• Road: market access arrangements for commercial road transport operators (goods and passengers) and private motoring.
• Maritime: safety and security cooperation.
• Rail: bilateral agreements to ensure continuity of Channel Tunnel and Belfast Dublin services.
  

Chair of the Committee Lord Whitty said: “The House of Lords EU Internal Market Committee wants to explore the opportunities, as well as the potential challenges, that Brexit poses to UK transport networks. Customs arrangements have understandably dominated this area of debate, we hope that this inquiry will highlight the wider issues and help to inform Government and public thinking.

“The Committee welcomes submissions to the inquiry, and urges organisations, businesses and individuals to take part in the inquiry.”

The Committee is currently accepting written evidence, and public hearings will be held from September 2018. Submit written evidence to the inquiry here.

Questions being asked in the call for evidence include:

• Are there any EU road haulage rules from which it would be beneficial for the UK to diverge?
• Is a post-Brexit agreement on passenger transport by road in the mutual interest of the EU and the UK?
• Is there a positive case for UK divergence from EU rail legislation, including the four ‘railway packages'?
• What would be the implications of ‘no deal' for the UK rail industry?
• What opportunities and challenges does Brexit present for UK shipping?
• Do any existing agreements between the EU and third countries provide a useful precedent for the future UK-EU transport relationship?
• What opportunities and challenges does Brexit present for passenger rights?