UKMPG and the British Ports Association (BPA) have campaigned strongly against this proposed regulation since it was launched by the Commission in May 2013.

UK ports are amongst the most efficient and productive in the world, contribute substantially to the UK economy and employment, and operate without cost to the taxpayer.

While claiming to promote competition, the EU proposal would impose unnecessary cost and bureaucracy on UK ports and prevent them from operating as commercial businesses. This would put essential future investment at risk. As the industry has demonstrated, the UK's ports sector is already strongly underpinned by the principles of competition and therefore these proposals are not needed.

UKMPG and BPA are therefore very disappointed that the EU Council of Ministers meeting on 8 October decided not to block the proposal. UKMPG and BPA will continue to oppose the Regulation as it moves to the European Parliament, which itself has twice defeated similar proposals in the past.

UKMPG and BPA also welcome the firm commitment of to fight hard to protect the interests of UK ports, and his success to date in reducing the impact on our ports. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with him, and with MEPs and our other partners, in the next phase of the campaign.