The United Kingdom is now preparing for the end of the Brexit transition by disseminating public information campaign that warns for holidays, bringing pets abroad, and data roaming charges. The country even prepared for an advertisement, the U.K.'s new start: let's get going, that will be previewed on TVs, radio, and online. There will be information to be sent via online as well.
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The advertisement aims to support businesses and individuals prepare for the end of the transition period on Dec 31 this year, when the U.K. finally leaves the customs union and single market. The adverts will also convey a "Check, Change, Go" tagline that directs people and businesses to a checker tool on the Government's website to show them the next steps they need to take.
The Businesses Perspective
The businesses in the country will contact a 'field force team' for one-to-one support through a phone call. Companies that are into import and export will have to ensure that they have legally registered with the relevant customs authority. There will be some U.K.-wide guidance and standard that does not apply between the trading of Northern Ireland and E.U. until further negotiations concluded. There will be initial guidance to be given to Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
According to the Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove that at the end of this year, the country is leaving the single market and customs union regardless of the type of agreement they reach with the E.U. Thus, bringing changes and significant opportunities for which they all need to prepare.
'While we have already made great progress in getting ready for this moment, there are actions that businesses and citizens must take now to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running as a fully independent U.K. This is a new start for everyone in the U.K. - British and European citizens alike - so let's get going.' He later added.
The U.K. Citizens
U.K. citizens that will travel abroad starting next year may need to ensure their passport is valid for the required period, get comprehensive travel insurance, and check their mobile phone roaming policy. U.K. citizens who are wishing to travel with their pets will be advised to contact a vet at least four months before traveling.
During their transition, the system remains in place which allows the citizens to travel in the E.U. without being charged extra for "roaming", This means that they can still use their mobile for calls, text, and data as they would in the U.K.
The Liberal Democrat acting leader Sir Ed Davey said, "Businesses right across the U.K. have struggled to survive financially over the past few months due to the coronavirus crisis. The fact that the Government is now trying to force them to gear up and prepare for the end of the transition period will fill them with utter horror."
He also mentioned that it was time ministers "sought as close as the possible relationship with the European Union not only to minimize the damage to the U.K. but allow both themselves and British business time to focus on getting the U.K. back on its feet again after the pandemic."
The Criticism
Many have criticized the timing, for there are citizens who pointed out that the British companies are already struggling to survive during this pandemic that can't prepare for leaving E.U.
