RHA congratulates new French President, Emmanuel Macron
The Road Haulage Association congratulates Emmanuel Macron on his election as the new President of France and hopes that his appointment will help facilitate a smooth transition as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
There are two issues that dominate Brexit from an economical perspective,” said RHA chief executive Richard Burnett. “One is the importance of maintaining the free flow of road freight to, from and through the UK and all EU Member States. It is essential that this is maintained and the rules we work to are clear and transparent at all times.
“France is our nearest European neighbour and for that reason alone we must have a good working relationship and maintain constructive and sympathetic dialogue at all times.
“Constructive dialogue is essential when tackling the issue of illegal migrants. It is crucial that the Le Touquet Agreement remains in place to maintain the UK border controls at Calais. We understand that Monsieur Macron may want to put the Le Touquet border deal back on the table to be renegotiated, especially the measures concerning the future of isolated child migrants.
“We fully understand and sympathise with this view this but, if this situation were to change and the border revert back to the UK, the number of migrants attempting to reach the UK by whatever means possible would increase dramatically. In addition, the risk to the lives and livelihoods of the citizens of Calais would be put in an untenable situation and the economy of the entire region would be put at severe risk.”
