Coronavirus Bill: UK Chamber Commentary and Request for Comments

The Government has published a Coronavirus Bill, setting out emergency powers that it considers may be needed in order to respond to emergency situations and manage the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  One of these is a power to suspend port operations for an initial period of six hours should it be considered that there is a real and significant risk that there are, or will be insufficient Border Force officers to maintain adequate border security.

The UK Chamber has produced a commentary describing this power in detail and highlighting other provisions that may impact on at least some members.  The Chamber also invites comments from members on the Bill, although as there is no consultation period, any concerns members may have will need to be raised as soon as possible.