THE UK’s business lobby is “sceptical” about technological solutions for the border post-Brexit, but is in favour of “frictionless” trade on the island of Ireland.
“Our argument is that there should be a frictionless border,” said Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
“We are sceptical about the technical solutions, and we will continue to make the economic case,” she told reporters in Brussels.
Her comments echo those of the Republic’s Foreign Minister, Simon Coveney, who said last month that an “e-border” using technology would be a non-starter. The CBI says solutions, such as electronic pre-clearance and automatic numberplate recognition cameras will not be in place by the time the UK leaves the EU in 2019.
“These kinds of projects take a long time to deliver,” said Ms Fairbairn. “I think the idea that we’re going to have something like that ready in March 2019 — a lot of our members are very sceptical about that.”
The CBI wants the UK to stay in the single market and customs union for a transition period post-Brexit, at least until a wide ranging free trade deal can be struck, which could take years. It hopes to agree that transition period by October or November to give companies time for investment planning.