EU transition period updates

Letter to the Government on Brexit
Attached is a copy of a CBI-led letter to the Government that the Tourism Alliance is a signatory to which urges the Government to secure a deal with the EU before the end of the year in order to protect UK businesses and employment. The letter has received significant media attention and highlights that we are running out of time and that swift deal is the single most effective way to support recovery from the impact of Coronavirus on the UK economy.

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Time is Running Out Campaign
Somewhat mirroring the call from UK industry that time is running out for the UK Government to reach a deal with the EU, the Government has launched a new campaign to warn businesses that “Time is Running Out” for businesses to prepare for the UK to leave the EU. The Government is urging business leaders to step up preparations for an “Australia-style” exit - which roughly translates as a “No Deal” Brexit.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/time-is-running-out-for-businesses-to-prepare?utm_source=d9f9301b-c83c-44f0-8df1-f301b2a04526&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

This has been followed-up by Michael Gove reading a statement to the House this afternoon informing MPs that the UK will have to prepare to trade with the EU on WTO terms from January, which reflects comments made by the Prime Minister on Friday

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-on-brexit-negotiations-16-october-2020?utm_source=bba1245b-6963-463f-973b-9c59be60a9c5&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

HMRC Letters to VAT registered companies
HMRC has written to all VAT registered companies to explain what they need to do to prepare for new processes for moving goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021, including:

• making sure they have a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
• deciding how they will make customs declarations
• checking if their imported goods are eligible for staged import controls

These actions will not change regardless of the outcome of the government’s negotiations with the EU.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letters-to-businesses-about-new-trade-arrangements-with-the-eu-from-1-january-2021?utm_source=7f6af1a1-080b-442d-9cfc-0514138f5f9b&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate