We all know that PM Boris Johnson has ruled out the current Withdrawal Agreement due to the backstop and many people are saying that there have been no alternative to the backstop presented. This is not correct.
The Alternative Arrangements Commission (AAC), co-chaired by Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP and Rt Hon Greg Hands MP – both remainers – was initiated and set-up by Prosperity UK. The AAC through its Technical Panel presented in July its final report outlining Alternative Arrangements to the backstop and a draft protocol mechanism for the Withdrawal Agreement.
I was one of the experts of the Technical Panel and during eight weeks we met with and consulted stakeholders, while we drafted a propsal consisting a set of alternatives that could replace the backstop.
The key points of our proposal are:
• Working Alternative Arrangements should be fully up and running within three years, with the ability to implement some measures considerably sooner.
• Alternative Arrangements are available through harnessing existing technologies and Customs best practice; futuristic high-tech solutions are not required.
• New technology has a role to support policy, but any technology suggested for deployment in the first instance is already in use elsewhere.
• A one size fits all solution should be avoided; instead people and traders should be given the maximum possible choice of options.
• A multi-tier trusted trader programme for large and medium sized companies should be introduced, with exemptions for the smallest companies.
• The use of transit in the general trading case to ensure no checks at the border.
• Building on the Single Epidemiological Unit, which currently exists on the Island of Ireland, we suggest a common Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) zone for the ld be up to the Northern Irish executive and the Northern Ireland Assembly, after consultation with the Northern-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council, whether to align with the Irish and EU regime or the rest of the UK.
• In the event no common regulatory areas can be achieved, transit for the general case would include Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) checks to be carried out by mobile units away from the border using the existing EU Union Customs code or a common area for SPS measures.
• Enhanced Economic Zones, benefiting from relevant WTO exemptions, such as frontier traffic and national security, offer potentially valuable solutions which respect the realities of border and cross-border communities.
• A transitional adjustment fund paid for by the UK, to assist with the implementation of Alternative Arrangements on both sides of the Irish border for small businesses.
• A capacity building fund paid for by the UK, to support customs development for UK and IE governments.
• An independent arbitration panel and a specialist committee to advise on implementation.
These are the main suggestions of the report. In addition a mechanism with protocols to replace the backstop in the WA has been developed.
Protocol AB adds an additional protocol into the existing Withdrawal Agreement and incorporates a list of UK obligations which, if satisfied, would mean that the Backstop Protocol would not be triggered, subject to dispute resolution via an independent arbitration mechanism.
Since these obligations are entirely on the UK side, it would be for the UK to ensure that the backstop is not triggered as long as it fulfils the commitments set out.
Protocol C is a standalone protocol that also delivers Alternative Arrangements in any other scenario. Since it is consistent with any new deal the UK might do with the EU, it could also be used to agree these arrangements as a fallback in the event of No Deal. It is intended to assist both sides in avoiding the challenges recently alluded to by both the Irish Government and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.
The report has been presented to involved parties.
In summary we are convinced that this is the way forward and the Alternative Arrangements can be implemented, not to the 31 October, but within a period of 36 months. Some of the solutions are available already today, while some of the main proposals takes 9-12 months.
In the report we conclude:
– It is possible to handle Customs and Border procedures by moving the formalities away from the border (to before and after),
– Alternative Arrangements should be based on optimizing existing Customs Procedures in line with international standards and laws, and
– Alternative Arrangements is not about technology unicorns, it is about using a set of different already existing (in internal law as well as in the EU Union Customs Code) technical solutions i.e; like AEO/Trusted Traders, Transit, Simplified procedures, Simplified reporting etc to its maximum (supported by technology when needed).
The important thing is to protect the interest of both parties to maintain safety, security, compliance while supporting traders to fulfil their obligations with maximum fascilitation and minimal cost. It is possible to implement these Alternative Arrangements step-by-step within a transition period if there is a political will to do so.
You can find the Alternative Arrangements Report and Executive Summary here: www.prosperity-uk.com/aacabout/
The Swedish striker believes he could still play in the Premier League having scored 22 goals in 22 matches for LA Galaxy this season
Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes he is still good enough to play on the highest level and joked Manchester United know where he is if they want to re-sign him.
The 37-year-old striker scored twice in the El Trafico derby as his LA Galaxy team drew 3-3 with rivals Los Angeles FC in a pulsating MLS clash.
Those two goals took him to 22 strikes in as many league matches this season – including six in the last three games – and the Swedish forward believes his current form shows he could comfortably compete in England’s top-flight again.
“I could play easy in the Premier League, so if United needs me, I’m here,” a similing Ibrahimovic told reporters. “But Galaxy has me, so I’m sorry.”
“Nah, I did my job in Europe. I enjoyed it, I have 33 trophies that I brought with me here and hopefully I can get something here. And then we will see where that adventure finishes.”
Ibrahimovic spent two season at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018 and scored 29 times in 53 matches.
Source: Goal
KW has made an interview with my old friend Mr Dicksons Collins Kateshumbwa, Commissioner Customs at the Uganda Revenue Authority and newly elected chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation, my omd organization.
I think the WCO Membership made a great choice in electing Dicksons, or Katy as we call him, as the new Chairperson of the organization. It is the first time East Africa holds this position.
I started working with Katy many years ago when we together desgoned and developed the Uganda AEO programme.
He has been an ambassador for AEO and good Customs practices for many years and he is a great leader and a tremendous representative for his country and the Customs family. I wish him all of luck in his important new position and I will do whatever I can to support him.
How will Uganda and the region benefit from your recent appointment as chairperson of the Council of the World Custom Organisation?
Being the first African to assume that role means something. It is important in the sense that I am the first African to occupy that position in the 67 years of World Custom Organisation. I will be flying our flag in Brussels for the next two years.
I intend to represent Uganda, the EAC region and the continent at large with dedication and utmost efficiency. This position also says something about the confidence that URA has garnered across the globe over the years. The 183 member countries seems have noticed the reforms we have instituted. No wonder we get visitors and delegations virtually every month to learn a thing or two from us. So under my reign, I will ensure that as country we build bridges with other networks with a view of promoting our exports across various locations globally.
Source: KW
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