At UK ports, the level of European shipping remains more or less as evident as before Brexit.
Time has passed since Brexit and the arrival of the Trade & Cooperation Agreement but pragmatism has meant that not every intention became reality. The importation of food from Europe is a fair example.
Whilst the UK to EU direction has largely followed new rules, border controls on food and fresh products coming from the EU have been repeatedly postponed. The potential effects on food prices seen as a larger issue.
Similar delays in both directions may be implemented for intended tariffs on electric car sales. A cost which would impact UK and EU manufacturers, along with making life easier for car producers in other regions.
Striking A Balance
There are counter arguments to the delays. Discussions on electric cars are largely about place of battery manufacture, negating the need for local manufacture could slow investment from global battery makers.
Keeping food prices down by delaying added cost to importers also has some opposition. UK producers and farmers feel this is unfair and uncompetitive, with rules only being applied in the UK to EU direction.
A lack of ability to be on a level playing field and be part of international initiatives has also caused concern in the research sector.
Rejoining Horizon
Remaining part of the European Horizon research program had always been the intention and was agreed during Brexit. A combination of treaty issues regarding Northern Ireland and prolonged negotiations brought a three year delay.
The UK is now back in the Horizon fold, which has brought joy to UK scientists and their colleagues in Europe. There was a time when Britain more or less led Horizon and having input restored is welcome in most countries.
Regrets over the long gap do exist in the scientific community and seeing the UK deeply involved again will take time but this is a logical start. Part of the feeling that relations have improved and will continue to.
Recycling The Past
Enthusiastic forecasts from Brexiteers that trade with the rest of the world would increase by 40% in 5 years are not being matched by reality:
Europe still forms the backbone of our overseas trade and is likely to continue to, with further realignment possible over the next few years
After De Gaulle said non to Macmillan and Wilson in the 60s, there was still a degree of rule relaxation and subtle integration, before the UK joined the then Common Market. With no political appetite for going that far, we may see a similar trend.
Areas which are working effectively, such as the ATA carnets for the EU we supply for temporary export, are likely to continue. Those which are making the UK uncompetitive will quietly be whittled away.
We may have left the EU in a legal sense but there is no magic formula to leave our ties with Europe behind, when both parties benefit from them.