BRRG-About Us
Border Reform and Research Group (BRRG)
BRRG is a s task and finish group -working in partnership with CIEH
Members are mainly (but not exclusively) CIEH members with an interest in port health, food imports and exports. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is also represented on the group.
2023 proved to be turbulent year in many areas. Even the BRRG was affected, against all ofds, remain commited to its mission and continued in its work. BRRG will always be closely aligned with CIEH.
CIEH achieved support and interest from FSA and other key stakeholders. Conceptual views and goals were well received for their rational long-term benefits and logical foundations.
Collaborative work and presented facts gained industry interest. Proposed solutions would ease the pressure, cost, and timing imposed on the industry in the current form of mismanaged administrative burden
CIEH did welcome the open and proactive collaboration of Association of port health authorities on the BCP survey and furhter work of BRRG.
Further participation in consultation, cabinet reviews and communications to highlight the urgency of managing the structure of imported food controls resourcing in sustainable futureproof way
Public presence and several featured press releases (not directly by BRRG) indirectly signposted the urgency and importance of focus on seeking the solutions.
South East and Kent MPs interested in matters. Further open letters sent to engage and promote awareness about urgency of situation
BCP preparedness survey quantitative sections recorded rather united views on burning issues and proposed solutions across the board with some variations. Qualitative entries delivered some excellent proposals- coming from experience, skill, knowledge, and priceless insights.
The cabinet office launched the engagement period ending in May 2023. Finalised version of BTOM was not published yet.
Food safety and security in media
BRRG focus on exploring viable, cost effective, sustainable solutions. to the workforce challenges associated with providing assurance on food exports from and imports to the UK. We seek to identify sustainable solutions, which will ensure consumers are protected from risks associated with food, businesses thrive and national interests are protected.
Our work is based on facts, evidence, and the experience of our members- many of whom work on the front line.
BRRG PRESENTATIONS
BRRG presented key views, goals and principles of the group. (Link)
Brrg presentation. at CIEH event Port Coffee and Catch up 24th March 2022 introduced results of BCP preparedness survey (link)
USEFUL EXTERNAL LINKS
The insight of professionals and experts explaining implications of proposed and upcoming changes. The role of CIEH, BRRG and other stakeholders outlined and highlighted for its role within the process of reshaping the checks and future of border operation.
Tony Baldock, Helen Buckingham Kate Thompson and other key players explained principles and issues of past, present and future.
FSA Board meeting June 2022- discussing also concerns related to cuts in FSA in circumstances, when demands on FSA are increasing i.e. coordinating import/exports, meat industry regulation, licensing of novel foods, etc., Post Brexit operation, etc, BCP controls, food imported from EU and associated risks. (link)
Association of Port Health Authorities offers a broad range of information, updates, CDP opportunities, and useful government updates to a wide range of audiences. (link)
News section on CIEH website Blogs, newsletters, and updates capturing current events, developments, interactions, and lobbying activities. (link)
RASFF- “The EU has one of the highest food safety standards in the world – largely thanks to the solid set of EU legislation in place, which ensures that food is safe for consumers. A key tool to ensure the flow of information to enable swift reaction when risks to public health are detected in the food chain is RASFF – the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed.” (source)
for those interested in current and historic food alerts detected and reported across EU, The RASFF window is still accessible to the public The information can be i.e. useful to students conducting their research, academics, food safety professionals, etc. Registration (free) is required (link)
BRRG focus on providing solutions applicable to a wide range of strategies. National food strategy would also benefit from implemented concepts such as amended qualification structure relying on national qualification framework etc. (link)
2020 RASFF report gives a comprehensive summary of incidents, trends, violations and information released in public domain (link)
TOM – Target operating model – All stakeholders call 11th August 2022- (Iink)
This strategy will support our ambition of having the world’s most effective border that creates prosperity and enhances security for a global United Kingdom.(link)
NEWS
Portsmouth council to seek legal action against ‘chaotic’ government following U-turn on post-Brexit border checks at Portsmouth International Port that cost £24m (link)
Playing politics with food safety – The UK government’s decision to scrap planned checks on food imports from the EU (link)
Government U-turn on border strategy: Industry reaction
28-Apr-2022 By Gwen Ridler –The UK government’s U-turn on border strategy will help clear up red tape surrounding imports, but could endanger parts of the industry to potentially devastating disease risks, warned members of the food and drink industry. (link)
Brexit: Inside Portsmouth’s new £25m ‘white elephant’ border control post sitting empty after government’s inspection U-turn leaves city council absorbing ‘phenomenal cost’
PORTSMOUTH’S newly built £25m, two-acre border control post has been dubbed a ‘white elephant’ by port bosses following an ‘appalling’ government U-turn. (link)
Cabinet office Border bulletins and other relevant materials
