Calais port to stage no-deal Brexit practice run
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove attended preparations on Friday.
The Port of Calais has staged a no-deal Brexit rehearsal to test new systems ahead of the UK’s anticipated departure from the EU on October 31.
Michael Gove witnessed the practice run during a visit to France on Friday afternoon.
French minister of action and public accounts Gerald Darmanin met the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at the port and they viewed the operation, a press notice about the visit from French government officials said.
Mr Darmanin told French radio station RTL on Friday morning that there will be a “dress rehearsal” period for a month, when companies and authorities will be able to prepare for systems post-Brexit.
Mr Gove toured the site, saw how passengers’ vehicles are inspected and commercial traffic is managed as part of new systems being tested out.
French authorities have reportedly recruited 700 additional customs officials and upgraded their technology in an effort to ensure the smooth transit of goods in and out of the European Union after the UK leaves.
