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An agreement to unblock travel with France after a closure due to the new variant of the coronavirus could come later today, according to Sky News.
The solution would involve conducting rapid response lateral flow tests on truck drivers with the help of the military.
More than 1,500 carriers are queuing on the M20 or are stationed at Kent’s Manston Airport, following France’s decision to detain anyone entering from the UK for 48 hours due to a new variant of coronavirus.
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France went one step further than most countries and banned freight drivers
Boris Johnson urged people last night not to panic: shop in the days leading up to Christmas and ministers have held more cross-channel discussions in an attempt to ease the accumulation of trade flows.
The government has been urged to act quickly given the dire developing situation and the effect it could have on imports.
Food supply chains have been affected across the UK
Ian Wright, executive director of the Food and Beverage Federation, said that while shoppers “need not worry about food supplies during Christmas,” the consequences could be felt soon after.
“Impacts on the local availability on the shelves of certain fresh foods appear to be likely from next week,” he warned.
Wright said companies were already suffering, explaining: “Millions of pounds of truck loads are breaking down.
The Coast Guard was seen handing out bottles of water in the early hours of the morning
“For most, insurance will not cover these losses, which must be compensated.”
On Tuesday, long lines of trucks spread through Kentish countryside as, despite pleas for drivers to stay away, they waited in hopes the border would reopen soon.
Some stranded transporters ate their food on the side of the road
Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps urged those attempting to cross the Canal to avoid the area.
“A reminder to all carriers that the French have not reopened the border with France,” he tweeted.
“Please do not travel to Kent as you will not be able to cross and may be stuck longer.”
France’s Foreign Ministry said the 48-hour ban was “an emergency measure that allows us to provide a practical solution and exchange views with our European partners,” adding that it expects a solution to be “formalized during the day”.
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New variant ‘is bouncy virus’ – Patel
Coastguards have given drivers bottles of water, while some prepare meals and have breakfast in their taxis or on the side of the road.
Under the ban, unaccompanied cargo, primarily in shipping containers, can continue to travel on trains and ships through the Canal, but any merchandise that is carried must remain on British soil.
Interior Minister Priti Patel told Sky News that the government was “working towards a resolution” and that it is “in both of us” for France to soften its position.
A long list of countries have already banned travel by UK passengers due to the new COVID-19 variant.
According to the Reuters news agency, Germany is considering maintaining that restriction until January 6, 2021.
