not_a_climber
New member
I apologise for introducing the B-word to what I'm sure is an otherwise lovely carefree evening for everyone...
Last Wednesday me and Badlad attended a meeting in Nottingham with the aim of elucidating how Brexit may effect outdoor sports, on behalf of the BCA Conservation and Access Officer. This was well attended by other governing bodies including the Ramblers, British Canoeing, the BMC, the Sport and Recreation Alliance and Wildlife and Countryside Link as well as the BCA. Aside from discussing and bemoaning other aspects of Brexit and British politics in general during the course of the meeting, one of the main discussions focused on how Brexit might affect travel to EU countries to carry out our sports. As I'm sure many cavers will be travelling to Europe in the coming months (whether this is to cave, climb, ski or just lie on a beach) I thought it might be useful to provide a summary of the discussion, which was headed by a representative of the Sports and Recreation Alliance.
The following applies from 29th March in the case of a no-deal Brexit:
In the case of a deal being accepted ready for EU withdrawal on 29th March
There will be a transition period so nothing will change immediately. However over time some of the above stipulations may come to apply, especially the rules about driving in the EU, transporting sporting equipment, and insurance.
This information was given by the Sport and Recreation Alliance and I have done my best to report it accurately. However if you are planning on travelling to Europe on or after 29th March it is probably worth going to their website to get more info. They have also created a podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/241221/929407-episode-2-brexit
Additionally, we all know what a shambles British politics is at the minute, so all of this is completely subject to change depending on deal/no deal/no brexit/general election etc etc etc.
...and lets just not think about the Irish border...
Louise Baddeley - SUSS/BCA
Last Wednesday me and Badlad attended a meeting in Nottingham with the aim of elucidating how Brexit may effect outdoor sports, on behalf of the BCA Conservation and Access Officer. This was well attended by other governing bodies including the Ramblers, British Canoeing, the BMC, the Sport and Recreation Alliance and Wildlife and Countryside Link as well as the BCA. Aside from discussing and bemoaning other aspects of Brexit and British politics in general during the course of the meeting, one of the main discussions focused on how Brexit might affect travel to EU countries to carry out our sports. As I'm sure many cavers will be travelling to Europe in the coming months (whether this is to cave, climb, ski or just lie on a beach) I thought it might be useful to provide a summary of the discussion, which was headed by a representative of the Sports and Recreation Alliance.
The following applies from 29th March in the case of a no-deal Brexit:
- To travel to EU countries you must have a passport valid for 6 months or more from the date of your return. If you do not have this when leaving the UK you will not be allowed to leave the country.
- Pre-planned internal European flights by UK airlines may not operate, even if you have bought a ticket. E.g. a British Airways flight from Frankfurt to Madrid will not operate.
- Pre-planned internal UK flights by European airlines may not operate, even if you have bought a ticket. E.g. a Ryanair flight from Glasgow to London will not operate.
- In order to drive a UK car in an EU country, you will be required to apply to the home office for a 'green card' to prove you have valid insurance. It may already be too late to do this due to the application time required, if you plan on driving immediately after the 29th March. E.g. taking the ferry or Eurostar to Calais with your own car.
- Your freedom to transport sporting equipment across the border from UK to EU countries will depend on the countries you are travelling to - it is advisable to check the import rules of any countries you are travelling to before you travel.
- Sporting insurance may vary country to country requiring you to take out multiple policies if you plan on crossing country borders between EU countries during a trip. E.g. a ski trip crossing borders between France and Switzerland may require two insurance policies to ensure you're covered at all times during your trip.
In the case of a deal being accepted ready for EU withdrawal on 29th March
There will be a transition period so nothing will change immediately. However over time some of the above stipulations may come to apply, especially the rules about driving in the EU, transporting sporting equipment, and insurance.
This information was given by the Sport and Recreation Alliance and I have done my best to report it accurately. However if you are planning on travelling to Europe on or after 29th March it is probably worth going to their website to get more info. They have also created a podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/241221/929407-episode-2-brexit
Additionally, we all know what a shambles British politics is at the minute, so all of this is completely subject to change depending on deal/no deal/no brexit/general election etc etc etc.
...and lets just not think about the Irish border...
Louise Baddeley - SUSS/BCA