The UK Campaign: ”The UK’s new start: let’s get going” is here

A major publicity campaign will be launched on Monday to prepare the public and businesses for the United Kingdom’s final break with the European Union at the end of the year.

The prospects are fading of London and Brussels reaching a free trade agreement to come into force on 1 January, when the post-Brexit transition period ends.

With less than six months to the severing of Britain’s ties with the bloc, £705m is being spent on building new checks in ports, hiring staff and developing technology to ensure the UK’s border systems are fully operational next year.

The information campaign will include guidance to holidaymakers on travel insurance and taking their pets abroad.

Its launch reflects concerns that awareness of Britain’s imminent departure from the single market and customs union has faded while the country has focused on combating the coronavirus health emergency.

Advertisements carrying the slogan “The UK’s new start: let’s get going” will run on television, radio and online, with text messages sent to the public.

They will carry a “Check, Change, Go” strapline and direct people and businesses to a checker tool on the Government’s website showing the next steps they need to take.

Businesses will also be able to contact a “field force team” for one-to-one advice on new export arrangements.

And businesses planning to export or import to or from the EU will be told to ensure they have registered with the relevant customs authority.

Some UK-wide guidance will not apply to trade between Northern Ireland and the EU until negotiations have concluded. Initial guidance for Northern Ireland is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

The Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove yesterday set out plans to spend £470m for infrastructure at ports and at inland sites, and £235m for computer systems and staffing, with extra cash for HM Revenue and Customs.

Full implementation of Britain’s new border regime has been delayed until July 2021, although France and other EU countries will have their controls in place from 1 January.

Mr Gove said: “With or without further agreement with the EU, this £705 million will ensure that the necessary infrastructure, tech and border personnel are in place so that our traders and the border industry are able to manage the changes and seize the opportunities as we lay the foundations for the world’s most effective and secure border.”

Source: inews