MSE News

Air, bus and coach travel to continue as normal if there's a no-deal Brexit

Callum Mason | News Reporter

19 March 2019

Flights, buses and coaches will continue to run to and from the EU in a 'no deal' scenario, after European Union ministers formally adopted new laws.

There was concern last year that European Union (EU) countries may not recognise UK-issued operator licences, which could result in coach disruption in the immediate aftermath of a no-deal Brexit, but these fears have now been assuaged and operators will be able to provide services as they do now until the end of 2019.

The Government announced earlier this month that flights would continue as normal in the event of a no-deal Brexit, and this has now been rubber-stamped.

MPs voted last week to reject a no-deal Brexit, but at the moment it's still the legal default unless an alternative solution is found. The UK is set to leave the EU on Friday 29 March, but is seeking a delay to this date from the EU.

What does the Government say?

Roads Minister Jesse Norman said: "The Government believes that the best outcome is for the UK to leave the EU with a deal, but we will continue to progress sensible contingency plans.

"The measures formally adopted by the EU today, together with the UK's decision to grant equivalent rights, means that UK hauliers and coach operators will have continued access to the EU after 29 March 2019 whatever the outcome."