Johnson and Macron held talks over phone to resolve the ban on cargo amid a new virus strain
The Ban on Cargo: On Monday, British PM Boris Johnson conversed with French President Emmanuel Macron over the telephone about the closure of France’s borders to cargo from Britain. Johnson personally requested Macron to set aside his anxiety over the strain caused by the variant of the Covid-19 virus.
“I have recently spoken to President Macron and we both understand each other’s situations and we both desire to resolve these issues as quickly as possible,” Johnson stated in a press conference.
France is among the 40 nations that have suspended trains and flights from the UK, but on Thursday night, Paris went further by forcing a 48-hour ban on freight entering Britain. In a discussion with President Macron, Boris Johnson stressed the necessity to reopen the supply chains between them.
I need to emphasize that we in the UK completely comprehend the anxiety of our counterparts about the new Coronavirus mutation strain yet it is also true that we think the dangers of transmission by a single driver sitting alone in a lorry or taxi is exceptionally low.
Johnson also addressed other world leaders to reassure them of the UK’s quick response to detect the mutation of Covid-19.
After a discussion on the phone with the Johnson on Tuesday morning, there is hope that France will reopen borders to the UK but only to its own nationals, French occupants, and experts, for example, drivers would have to go through fresh PCR swab test, France’s public broadcaster reported.
Other non-French nationals with a permanent home in France will have the option to return, however, the border is set to stay shut to all non-French residents in the UK. According to The Guardian, the UK is expecting to counter the new variant of Covid by setting up new measures.
The UK home secretary, Priti Patel, stated on Tuesday that the administration was conversing with the French authorities about testing all drivers leaving Britain to permit cargo and travelers to visit once more.
She affirmed that more than 1,500 lorries were stranded in Kent on Tuesday morning. The queue formed as France imposed a ban on cargo to enter from Britain.
Patel told the BBC that the transport secretary is having discussions with France at this moment. The UK and French officials are working towards finding a solution to reopen borders.
It’s in the interest of both the nation, to ensure that we have a smooth course as many European haulers are waiting to return home.
Rod McKenzie, the managing director of the Road Haulage Association told BBC, there are serious concerns about the well-being of drivers that were stuck across the Channel. One trade organization stated that they were provided with one oat bar each during the 24 hours.
We need to look into the issue of fewer washroom facilities, health, and cleanliness concerns. In these difficult conditions of getting stuck at the border, we are not treating the lorry drivers well by feeding them one oats bar, McKenzie added.
