In a rapid response to meet the government's July 1 deadline, Portsmouth International Port in the UK expedited the construction of a new facility tailored for the inspection of animal and plant products imported from the EU. Despite the urgency and the specific requirements met, a recent government announcement in April revealed a halt in the progression of its border operating model. This decision leaves the purpose-built installation idle, accruing annual operational expenses estimated at £1 million.
Gerald Vernon-Jackson, the city council's leader, criticized the government's reversal, describing the situation as "appalling" and a "mess from start to finish." To finance the facility, which cost £25 million to develop, Portsmouth City Council secured a loan to cover a £7.8 million shortfall. Now, with the facility's operations suspended, the council is burdened with interest payments on top of the running costs, despite the facility's inactivity. Initially, over 60 staff members were prepared to manage the facility, constructed to fulfill the government's stringent criteria.
Source: portsmouth.co.uk