- Government publishes 2025 UK Border Strategy setting out vision for world's most effective border
- UK will take back control of its borders when the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December
- New technology will make our border safer and more secure, and trade and passenger journeys smoother and more efficient
The 2025 UK Border Strategy, published today, sets out the government's ambitious plan for developing the most effective border in the world.
From 1 January 2021, the UK will take back control of its borders as a sovereign nation. The UK will lay down its own rules to make our country safer and more secure, with new tools to prevent illicit commodities crossing through our borders and preventing people who seek to cause harm reaching the UK.
This new strategy sets out how the government will work with industry to harness innovative technology to help UK businesses take full advantage of new trading relationships with the rest of the world. It will provide smoother passenger journeys through ports, strengthen the UK's ability to target criminal activity, and help tackle illegal migration.
Plans to improve efficiency at the border include the development of a Single Trade Window to create one gateway for all data from traders into government; the increased use of eGates and biometrics to speed passenger journeys through ports; and an enhanced Trusted Trader Programme to streamline the authorisation process.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said:
As the Brexit transition period ends, the UK will seize this once in a lifetime opportunity to transform our borders, making them smarter and more secure.
This strategy lays the groundwork to realising our ambition of having the most effective border in the world by 2025.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
When the transition period ends, we will be free to seize the opportunities that come with being a sovereign nation once again.
We will make our border safer and more secure, and we will deliver our new firm and fair points-based immigration system.
This strategy has been published following a public consultation and workshops with more than 300 industry stakeholders and leaders from across the border industry have welcomed the government's ambitious plans. Collaboration will continue to play a critical role in delivering the strategy going forward, and the government will work with border agencies and departments across UK nations, as well as businesses and organisations in the private sector, to implement these changes.
Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy at Logistics UK, said:
Logistics UK welcomes the strategic objectives of the 2025 UK Border Strategy and the changes envisaged to increase the efficiency of our borders. The concepts of upstream compliance, e-documents and single window to avoid duplication of data submission are particularly important to support international trade.
Our members want the proposed changes brought forward as soon as possible to minimise friction at the border; we also want to see a review following the end of the Brexit transition period.
Amanda Frances, CEO at Association of International Courier and Express Services (AICES), said:
The Government has listened to the express industry's calls for simplified border processes. This strategy will smooth trade flows, reduce administrative burden and improve the UK's position as a global trading nation.
We particularly welcome the commitment to a Single Trade Window for traders to interface with Government systems which will facilitate the movement of goods and will mean the UK leads international best practice.
Our members will continue to work with the Government to assist the implementation of these plans as swiftly as possible.
