Mohammad Yasin, the MP for Bedford and Kempston, today raised the issue of the impact of Brexit on business.
His quizzed the Minister of State for Trade Policy, Greg Hands MP, about how small businesses are struggling to cope with complex bureaucracy since leaving the EU.
Trade issues faced include everything from navigating new immigration rules to complex export paperwork, costing businesses time and money alongside dealing with the huge challenges of the pandemic.
He asked the Minister if he would support the Federation of Small Business’s calls for a rapid introduction of transition vouchers worth £3,000 which small firms can spend on the tech, training and advice needed to get through this huge change to their business practice.
Following the International Trade questions, Mr Yasin said: “The Minister’s response was puzzling as he referred to the end of the transition period being in the future, when of course it ended on 31 December.
“Businesses had no more than 48 hours to prepare for the end of the transition period which was contemptible.
“There may be a grace period on some issues, but the Minister needs to know, these aren’t just teething problems, this is a new and permanent way of working that many businesses are struggling with.
“The Prime Minister may have boasted about securing a tariff free deal, which is a stretch of the truth anyway, but businesses, big and small, have been hit with non-tariff barriers – and some won’t survive.
“The Government needs to assist them urgently.”