- Honda and Nissan expected to begin merger talks
- 'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears
- Israeli women mobilise against ultra-Orthodox military exemptions
- Asian markets track Wall St rally as US inflation eases rate worries
- Tens of thousands protest in Serbian capital over fatal train station accident
- Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority
- 'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
- Only 12 trucks delivered food, water in North Gaza Governorate since October: Oxfam
- Langers edge Tiger and son Charlie in PNC Championship playoff
- Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
- Holders PSG edge through on penalties in French Cup
- Daniels throw five TDs as Commanders down Eagles
- Atalanta fight back to take top spot in Serie A, Roma hit five
- Mancini admits regrets over leaving Italy for Saudi Arabia
- Run machine Ayub shines as Pakistan sweep South Africa
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin
- 'Incredible' Liverpool must stay focused: Slot
- Maresca 'absolutely happy' as title-chasing Chelsea drop points in Everton draw
- Salah happy wherever career ends after inspiring Liverpool rout
- Three and easy as Dortmund move into Bundesliga top six
- Liverpool hit Spurs for six, Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth
- Netanyahu vows to act with 'force, determination' against Yemen's Huthis
- Ali hat-trick helps champions Ahly crush Belouizdad
- Salah stars as rampant Liverpool hit Spurs for six
- Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
- 'Sonic 3' zips to top of N.America box office
- Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens to limited crowds
- Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- Pope again condemns 'cruelty' of Israeli strikes on Gaza
- Lonely this Christmas: Vendee skippers in low-key celebrations on high seas
- Troubled Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- 2 US pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: military
- Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth, Chelsea held at Everton
- France awaits fourth government of the year
- Death toll in Brazil bus crash rises to 41
- Odermatt stays hot to break Swiss World Cup wins record
- Neville says Rashford's career at Man Utd nearing 'inevitable ending'
- Syria's new leader vows not to negatively interfere in Lebanon
- Germany pledges security inquest after Christmas market attack
- Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack
- Understated Usyk seeks recognition among boxing legends
- France awaits appointment of new government
- Cyclone Chido death toll rises to 94 in Mozambique
- Stokes out of England's Champions Trophy squad
- Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 28
- Sweet smell of success for niche perfumes
- 'Finally, we made it!': Ho Chi Minh City celebrates first metro
- Angry questions in Germany after Christmas market attack
- China's Zheng pulls out of season-opening United Cup
- Minorities fear targeted attacks in post-revolution Bangladesh
UK MPs' report finds Brexit burdening businesses
Britain's trade with the European Union has been dented by Brexit, with businesses facing greater costs, paperwork and border delays since the UK's full withdrawal, a watchdog panel of MPs said Wednesday.
A report by the cross-party Public Accounts Committee found that although it was difficult to disentangle the effects of the pandemic from those of Brexit, "it was clear that EU exit has had an impact".
It concluded the "only detectable impact" of the UK withdrawal from the EU's single market and customs union at the start of last year was increased burdens on businesses.
"New border arrangements have added costs to business," the report said, noting the government has "much more work" to do to ease the woes suffered by firms.
The committee's scathing verdict contrasts with the upbeat picture painted by Brexit proponents such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of the 2016 referendum on EU membership.
The UK narrowly voted to leave after nearly five decades inside the club -- now comprised of 27 countries -- sparking several years of political upheaval.
Since Britain formally departed the bloc in January 2020 and then ended a transition period 11 months later, Johnson has proclaimed Brexit's benefits, touting the ability to rewrite immigration laws and ink independent trade deals.
But in an apparent sign of some of the difficulties adjusting to life outside the bloc, Johnson on Tuesday appointed prominent Eurosceptic MP Jacob Rees-Mogg in a newly-created post of "minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency".
It was part of a minor reshuffle of his ministers.
- 'Increased costs' -
This year trucks have faced queues of up to six miles (10 kilometres) on the approach to the English port of Dover -- Europe's busiest for roll-on, roll-off freight -- with lines also reported in northern France.
The delay has been attributed to several factors, including the UK government implementing further customs controls at the start of January.
It prompted a leading UK freight lobby group to urge the British and French governments to hold talks to ease the backups at Channel ports.
In its report, the Public Accounts Committee warned they could worsen once passenger numbers return to normal as expected later this year.
It noted new border arrangements will be implemented in the summer, while all the systems have not yet been tested at pre-pandemic traffic levels.
"One of the great promises of Brexit was freeing British businesses," said committee chair Meg Hillier MP.
"Yet the only detectable impact so far is increased costs, paperwork and border delays."
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the report reflected the "lived experiences" of more than 1,000 small- and medium-sized firms trading with the EU.
"The risk of outbound delays on good movements could well persist and must be averted in plenty of time before the autumn," said William Bain, its head of the trade policy.
A.Aguiar--PC