UK lawmakers worried about lack of Brexit preparations

with serious concerns about the UK's customs preparedness for the end of the Brexit transition period," committee chair Mel Stride said. "I've asked the Chancellor to respond to our concerns as a matter of urgency," he added.

Britain's government may have left it too late for businesses to prepare properly for the end of free movement of goods to and from the European Union, an influential group of lawmakers said on Friday. The British parliament's Treasury Committee has written to finance minister Rishi Sunak about their concerns over delays setting up computer systems that allow businesses to handle new customs requirements that come into force on Jan. 1.

"The Committee came away from its evidence session ... with serious concerns about the UK's customs preparedness for the end of the Brexit transition period," committee chair Mel Stride said. "I've asked the Chancellor to respond to our concerns as a matter of urgency," he added.