UK Set to U-Turn on EU Border Checks as Coronavirus Slams Economy

THE British government is currently diluting plans to enforce full border checks on goods coming from the EU in moves intended to relieve pressure on businesses hampered by the pandemic.

The UK officially left the now 27-nation bloc on January 31, although it remains a member of the common market for trade and other economic structures.

The two sides are trying to negotiate a free trade deal in the midst of managing the coronavirus pandemic in their respective countries.

Talks have repeatedly stalled over differences on key issues including fishing rights and competition rules.

The UK is insistent that it will not be asking for an extension to the transition period, despite a two-year extension being permitted under the UK-EU divorce deal.

In February, the government announced that goods coming from the bloc would require full inspections and customs declarations. However, at the time, the FT reported that Michael Gove intended to announce a more ‘pragmatic and flexible’ approach to EU-UK border checks.

Britain’s economy is in full tailspin, with reports of the economy shrinking by a massive 20.4 per cent last month.

By reducing the red tape involved with importing goods from the EU, British businesses hope they will be much better off.