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Wales Online
25-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
£48m border control post may be obsolete as 'yet another Brexit bonus' slammed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info North Wales Live readers are unhappy to hear that a facility designed to handle the additional red tape resulting from Brexit could become obsolete before it even opens its doors. The UK's departure from the EU in 2020 introduced extra bureaucracy at the border between the UK and the European Union, including sanitary and phytosanitary checks on fresh produce from the EU. The previous UK Government postponed implementing these checks due to fears of price increases for businesses and consumers. However, they did not abandon these checks and continued to develop the necessary building. In North Wales, the UK Government allocated £47.8m for the construction of a border control post at Holyhead, which would be managed by the Welsh Government. Kier Group was awarded a £41m construction contract last summer, and work began on the development at Parc Cybi, just outside Holyhead, with completion expected by autumn. However, the site could potentially become an expensive folly before it even becomes operational. In May, the UK and EU reached a new SPS agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products, thereby making trade between the UK and EU more affordable and straightforward. The Welsh Government has stated: "We are considering the implications of a potential SPS agreement with the EU on the future implementation of the Border Target Operating Model in Wales. The Deputy First Minister will make a statement to the Senedd in the coming weeks." On Tuesday, they confirmed they will not push on with final commissioning and staffing of the site. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said he would keep that decision under review until the final details of the agreement with the EU are known. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, commented on the situation saying: "The chaotic situation regarding the need – or not – for border control posts is symptomatic of the chaos and costs surrounding Brexit as a whole. Large sums of public money have been spent, Anglesey Council has faced significant pressures, and we even lost the very important truck stop that went to make way for post-Brexit border infrastructure. We need assurances now that the taxpayer won't be left further out of pocket, but the sad thing is that much of the damage caused will remain with us for many years to come." Commenter Driver123456 says: 'Why did they have to take the truck stop? It was an absolute joke, but they insisted they wanted that site instead of the clear land across the way. They could have built on that, but paid way over the odds for the land!' ThePickledLiver replies: 'There will still be 100 HGV parking spaces, and while the inspection shed might not be useful, there's the admin block which would make an excellent drivers' R&R. "Small layout changes and it'll be perfectly usable/re-useable as something other than a border post. Not quite 'white elephant' stuff. We could perhaps copy what they do (and I've used) on the continent and provide 1 and 2-bed rooms for drivers. 10/15 euro a night, nothing fancy but better than bunking in the cab. Must pay for itself 'cos there's plenty of them. And that's before factoring-in the times that the ferries are delayed by weather. That would cover at least, erm, 2 million, ish.' Captcheese thinks: 'Quite eye watering at 47 million for a shower block and bogs for HGV drivers.' LlainPeris thinks: 'We are all paying for the Brexit Mess - 'taking back control' was always very misleading at best: what needs controlling is the way multi-national companies pay so little tax, and for that you need multi-national action by governments not Little Britain acting on its own.' Northwalessaint agrees: 'Yet another 'Brexit Bonus'!' Marti1 adds: 'It seems leaving the EU cost more than staying.' PaulLuckock writes: 'The Welsh electorate voted for Brexit and so we collectively have to take responsibility for the settled will of the people in 2016.' Steamnut points out: 'And that wonderful Holyhead truck-stop would still be open. Amazing how we keep doing this at all levels both national and local. And yes, Conwy we are talking about you. We need more accountability; people who sign-off on expensive schemes ought to pay the price for their mistakes.' Jnrm replies: 'Well the Welsh people voted for, and therefore 'signed off' on Brexit, a really expensive scheme, so I guess they should be footing the bill then. It was the UK Government that paid £47.8 million to fund this facility, not the Welsh Government. Plaid states there was a large sum of public money spent which has been wasted and that taxpayers shouldn't be left out of pocket. Well it's the English taxpayer who should be complaining as they funded it!' What do you think the border control building should be used for? Are you angry that money has been wasted? Have your say in our comments section.
North Wales Live
25-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
£48m border control post may be obsolete as 'yet another Brexit bonus' slammed
North Wales Live readers are unhappy to hear that a facility designed to handle the additional red tape resulting from Brexit could become obsolete before it even opens its doors. The UK's departure from the EU in 2020 introduced extra bureaucracy at the border between the UK and the European Union, including sanitary and phytosanitary checks on fresh produce from the EU. The previous UK Government postponed implementing these checks due to fears of price increases for businesses and consumers. However, they did not abandon these checks and continued to develop the necessary building. In North Wales, the UK Government allocated £47.8m for the construction of a border control post at Holyhead, which would be managed by the Welsh Government. Kier Group was awarded a £41m construction contract last summer, and work began on the development at Parc Cybi, just outside Holyhead, with completion expected by autumn. However, the site could potentially become an expensive folly before it even becomes operational. In May, the UK and EU reached a new SPS agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products, thereby making trade between the UK and EU more affordable and straightforward. The Welsh Government has stated: "We are considering the implications of a potential SPS agreement with the EU on the future implementation of the Border Target Operating Model in Wales. The Deputy First Minister will make a statement to the Senedd in the coming weeks." On Tuesday, they confirmed they will not push on with final commissioning and staffing of the site. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said he would keep that decision under review until the final details of the agreement with the EU are known. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, commented on the situation saying: "The chaotic situation regarding the need – or not – for border control posts is symptomatic of the chaos and costs surrounding Brexit as a whole. Large sums of public money have been spent, Anglesey Council has faced significant pressures, and we even lost the very important truck stop that went to make way for post-Brexit border infrastructure. We need assurances now that the taxpayer won't be left further out of pocket, but the sad thing is that much of the damage caused will remain with us for many years to come." Commenter Driver123456 says: 'Why did they have to take the truck stop? It was an absolute joke, but they insisted they wanted that site instead of the clear land across the way. They could have built on that, but paid way over the odds for the land!' ThePickledLiver replies: 'There will still be 100 HGV parking spaces, and while the inspection shed might not be useful, there's the admin block which would make an excellent drivers' R&R. "Small layout changes and it'll be perfectly usable/re-useable as something other than a border post. Not quite 'white elephant' stuff. We could perhaps copy what they do (and I've used) on the continent and provide 1 and 2-bed rooms for drivers. 10/15 euro a night, nothing fancy but better than bunking in the cab. Must pay for itself 'cos there's plenty of them. And that's before factoring-in the times that the ferries are delayed by weather. That would cover at least, erm, 2 million, ish.' Captcheese thinks: 'Quite eye watering at 47 million for a shower block and bogs for HGV drivers.' LlainPeris thinks: 'We are all paying for the Brexit Mess - 'taking back control' was always very misleading at best: what needs controlling is the way multi-national companies pay so little tax, and for that you need multi-national action by governments not Little Britain acting on its own.' Northwalessaint agrees: 'Yet another 'Brexit Bonus'!' Marti1 adds: 'It seems leaving the EU cost more than staying.' PaulLuckock writes: 'The Welsh electorate voted for Brexit and so we collectively have to take responsibility for the settled will of the people in 2016.' Steamnut points out: 'And that wonderful Holyhead truck-stop would still be open. Amazing how we keep doing this at all levels both national and local. And yes, Conwy we are talking about you. We need more accountability; people who sign-off on expensive schemes ought to pay the price for their mistakes.' Jnrm replies: 'Well the Welsh people voted for, and therefore 'signed off' on Brexit, a really expensive scheme, so I guess they should be footing the bill then. It was the UK Government that paid £47.8 million to fund this facility, not the Welsh Government. Plaid states there was a large sum of public money spent which has been wasted and that taxpayers shouldn't be left out of pocket. Well it's the English taxpayer who should be complaining as they funded it!'
Wales Online
23-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
The £50m building in Wales set to be redundant before it opens
The £50m building in Wales set to be redundant before it opens The new facility has been built at huge costs at a border point in Wales but may never be used An overhead view of the berths at Holyhead Port (Image: Google ) A £50m facility built to handle border checks for goods arriving at Holyhead port on Anglese may be redundant before it is ever used. The building was created to handle the kind of sanitary and phytosanitary checks on fresh produce entering from the EU that would have become needed as a result of the Brexit deal that came into effect in 2020. The checks were delayed over concerns that it would lead to price rises for businesses and consumers. But it was only ever a delay to the implementation of the deal that had been agreed with Brussels. On Anglesey, the UK Government budgeted £47.8m for a border control post at Holyhead. The plan was for the Welsh Government to operate the facility, as the Cardiff Bay administration is responsible for biosecurity, food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls in Wales. The £41m build contract was won by the Keir construction group and which began work on the facility at Parc Cybi, just outside Holyhead. It is scheduled for completion in autumn. Article continues below But the new SPS agreement struck in May between Keir Starmer's administration and the European Commission may render the facility unnecessary. The aim of Starmer's deal is to trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products, making trade between the UK and EU cheaper and easier. The Welsh Government said: 'We are considering the implications of a potential SPS agreement with the EU on the future implementation of the Border Target Operating Model in Wales. The Deputy First Minister will make a statement to the Senedd in the coming weeks." Article continues below Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, said 'The chaotic situation regarding the need – or not – for border control posts is symptomatic of the chaos and costs surrounding Brexit as a whole. "Large sums of public money have been spent, Anglesey Council has faced significant pressures, and we even lost the very important truck stop that went to make way for post-Brexit border infrastructure. "We need assurances now that the taxpayer won't be left further out of pocket, but the sad thing is that much of the damage caused will remain with us for many years to come.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
23-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
The £50m Brexit Border Post on Anglesey that could end up being a massive white elephant
A facility built to deal with extra red tape caused by Brexit could end up being redundant before it even opens. Leaving the EU in 2020 added bureaucracy on the border between the UK and the European Union. This included sanitary and phytosanitary checks on fresh produce from the EU. The last UK Government delayed implementing the checks over concerns that it would lead to price rises for businesses and consumers. But they did not scrap the checks and work continued on developing the border facilities to carry out the work. In North Wales, the UK Government allocated £47.8m to build the border control post at Holyhead. This would be operated by Welsh Government, as they are responsible for biosecurity, food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls in Wales. Kier Group were handed a £41m build contract last summer and work got underway on the development at Parc Cybi, just outside Holyhead. Work is due to be completed by the autumn. But the site could now turn into an expensive white elephant before it even becomes operational. In May, the UK and EU reached a new SPS agreement as part of efforts to reset their post-Brexit relationship. This agreement aims to reduce trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products by streamlining processes and reducing checks, making trade between the UK and EU cheaper and easier. It should be good news for businesses and shoppers and Holyhead port overall. But it could mean the new facility will not be required as most of the planned checks will not be required. The Welsh Government said: 'We are considering the implications of a potential SPS agreement with the EU on the future implementation of the Border Target Operating Model in Wales. The Deputy First Minister will make a statement to the Senedd in the coming weeks." Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, said 'The chaotic situation regarding the need – or not – for border control posts is symptomatic of the chaos and costs surrounding Brexit as a whole. "Large sums of public money have been spent, Anglesey Council has faced significant pressures, and we even lost the very important truck stop that went to make way for post-Brexit border infrastructure.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK scraps border checks on EU fruit and vegetable imports
The UK government is to remove border checks for fruit and vegetable imports from the EU ahead of a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal between the two markets. Last month, the UK and the EU signalled plans for a new SPS agreement as part of a broader, new trading relationship. While the details of the SPS agreement are still being negotiated, the UK government said post-Brexit border checks on 'medium-risk' fruit and vegetables – including items such as tomatoes, grapes, plums and peppers – imported from the EU will not be enforced as planned from next month. The easing of checks has now been extended from 1 July 2025 to 31 January 2027. UK trade association Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) welcomed the move and said it spares the industry from '700,000 consignments annually subject to UK SPS border controls and avoids an eye-watering £200m ($270.2m) in added costs'. The UK said under the prospective SPS deal with the EU eliminating routine checks on food imports and exports is expected to lower costs and ease pressure on food prices. The move forms part of London's efforts to 'cut excessive red tape' and reduce fees for traders engaged in exporting to and importing from the bloc, it added. According to the government, the changes are intended to 'strengthen' supply chains and reduce costs for both businesses and consumers. UK Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said: 'This government's EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses.' Traders are required to continue following the UK's Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) until the SPS deal comes into force, the government said, adding that "risk-based surveillance" will continue to handle the biosecurity risks. FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney added: 'This is a unique and sector-specific exemption, and one we've fought long and hard to achieve. 'We're proud to have secured a common-sense solution that protects our diverse and critical industry – from supermarket supply chains to the thousands of SMEs in wholesale and foodservice.' "UK scraps border checks on EU fruit and vegetable imports" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
