As the EU transition period comes to an end, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has today questioned the Counsel General and Minister for European Transition over discussions he has had with the UK Government and HMRC over key issues relating to Holyhead Port.

Raising the matter in today’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood said:

“Monday's Welsh Government Written Statement, 'End of Transition Traffic Contingency Plans - Holyhead', refers to work with ‘partners across North Wales’, which is good, but omits reference to its work with the UK Government and with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and to the key role being played by Anglesey's MP, Virginia Crosbie.

“A fortnight ago, the Port's Owner, Stena Line, said that the process will be, quote, 'smooth'. Both the UK Government and HMRC have stated that they are working closely with the Welsh Government and the Port on this. Last week, we learned that the Holyhead Roadking Truck Stop had been secured as a new customs post, and, yesterday, the UK and EU reached a deal on Northern Ireland Border checks, ensuring unfettered access for goods coming from Northern Ireland to other parts of the UK, with a small number of precautionary checks on food and products of animal origin going into Northern Ireland. 

“So, what engagement has the Welsh Government actually had with the UK Government and HMRC regarding these key matters?”

The Minister said he has “reported to the Chamber on a number of occasions the work that we've been doing with both the UK Government and HMRC in relation to preparations for Holyhead.”