Brexit damaging trade with EU, says public accounts committee

Lorries queueing on the A20 to prevent the port of Dover becoming congested with traffic. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Brexit red tape has damaged Britain’s trade with the EU and the situation could worsen unless the government works with Brussels to reduce hold-ups at UK ports, parliament’s spending watchdog has said.

Only hours after Jacob Rees-Mogg was appointed minister for Brexit opportunities, a report by the cross-party public accounts committee (PAC) said border checks in place since the beginning of the year had increased business costs and “suppressed” trade with the EU.