North-East MSP, Christian Allard, has welcomed the announcement of a ‘quick to market’ route for fresh produce caught up in delays at the Channel Tunnel – which will protect Scotland’s vital seafood export sector.
Mr Allard wrote to Kent Police in January 2015 on this issue.
Following representations from the Scottish Government, a scheme will be operated by Kent Police to prioritise fresh produce caught up in the delays at Calais.
Mr Allard said, “I welcome today’s announcement that Kent police are listening to these concerns – which I have been communicating to them since January 2015. It is a much-needed outbreak of common-sense – and a real shot in the arm for Scotland’s seafood exporters who have suffered disproportionately as a result of these delays.
“But of course, the situation at Calais is complex and ongoing and it is vital that the UK Government continues to work constructively with the French authorities and to listen to their concerns of the Scottish Government and Scottish exporters – to ensure the damaging impact on our food processing sector is kept to a minimum.”
