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UNTIL 2230 WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER
Labour is today warning Ministers to urgently get a grip on the
situation at ports, as Covid and uncertainty around the end of
the transition period has led to stockpiling and disruption at
Britain’s borders with around 70% of container freight
potentially at risk of getting stuck.While countries
around the world are facing problems with their supply chains,
uncertainty around the end of the transition period has caused
additional pressure in Britain. The ports at Felixstowe,
Southampton and London Gateway have all been reported to be
affected by congestion and between them are responsible for 70%
of container freight coming into the UK. Last year, the port of
Felixstowe alone handled 36% of container freight coming into the
UK.
Businesses have been sounding the alarm for weeks about
congestion at ports as well as stock getting stuck in their ports
of origin. The congestion and confusion mean deliveries and food
supplies risk failing to make it to shop shelves, causing stock
shortages during the crucial Christmas trading period. High
street shops have reported shortages of goods including toys and
books, while food supplies stuck at docks risk being thrown out.
Meanwhile Honda has been forced to pause production due to a
shortage of car parts.
Labour is calling on the Business Secretary to come to the House to set out how retailers will be
supported, and for to set out a rapid action plan to reduce congestion at
ports. The UK Major Ports Group has suggested
running more and longer trains to and from ports and allowing
hauliers more flexibility to collect containers out of normal
hours.
The threat to supply chains is another blow for retailers
and manufacturers across the country, already facing operational
pressures, shrinking government grants and reduced cashflow.
Labour has repeatedly called on Ministers to protect
businesses and save jobs, by setting out a proper plan to support
businesses through the crisis with a package that reflects the
level of business need and severity of restrictions in different
areas.
, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Business and
Consumers, said:
"Ministers have to wake up and listen to businesses, which
have been sounding the alarm for weeks about the problems at
ports and the risk of stock shortages.
“This disruption couldn’t come at a worse time of year,
with businesses reliant on keeping their shelves stocked to cash
in on crucial Christmas trade after months of really difficult
conditions.
“Michael Gove must listen to industry and
take urgent action to do what he can to ease the bottlenecks at
British ports, or Gove will be the Grinch who Stole Christmas.
And without a proper plan in place to reduce congestion, I worry
this is the tip of the iceberg.”
