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Shadow Trade minister Gareth Thomas has said that far from the delay helping businesses prepare for the changes, it is in fact \u201cdeeply damaging for business certainty\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Labour Party also slams the delay for wasting \u201cyet more taxpayers\u2019 money\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr Thomas says: \u201cWith the deadlines for new checks just months away, it is unacceptable that businesses have not received a clear update from the government on whether the new border arrangements are even going to be introduced”.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Tories\u2019 trade barriers are stunting economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Conservatives have not taken the criticism lying down, however, saying the opposition is \u201cjust shouting from the sidelines with no plan yet again\u201d.<\/p>\n
A Tory spokesman joked: \u201cThe only trade they understand is \u2018trade union\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n They also accused Sir Keir of only being interested in dragging the UK \u201cBack into the EU and [binding] us to their rules\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best way to support business this year is by halving inflation \u2013 that\u2019s exactly why it\u2019s the first of our five key priorities: halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.\u201d<\/p>\n In April, the Politico website reported widespread concerns among businesses that the Government\u2019s planned border checks will increase costs for importers.<\/p>\n Government officials told businesses in April that they would be hit with an additional \u00a3400 million in extra costs due to the regime.<\/p>\n According to official seasonally-adjusted figures, however, UK exports to the EU in the four quarters leading up to January this year stood at \u00a3349 million, up 21 percent on the previous 12 months and 41 percent higher than 2016 – the year of the Brexit referendum.<\/p>\n A Government spokesperson said: \u201cThe government remains committed to delivering the best border in the world. The Border Target Operating Model is key to delivering this and introduces an innovative approach to importing that will be introduced progressively”.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are reflecting on the valuable feedback provided by a range of businesses and industry stakeholders and will publish the Border Target Operating Model shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n
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