thread

ECONOMIC BLOCKADE

1. I'll add to this thread tomorrow if I get an hr or two to do further reading.

2. Firstly I'm assuming the block is as comprehensive as the news extract below & that all supplies by road haulage are being stopped.

3. Is it a blockade?

No, not in the usual sense as we're not at war [even though it sometimes feels like we are].

However, preventing land transport to & from an area may be considered an economic blockade aka commercial blockade or Pacific Blockade.

4. Blockades usually span a more prolonged period, however in this instance the timing makes the effect particularly disruptive. Hauliers will be bringing supplies in to cover the Christmas period & beyond.

5. Importantly, what is the purpose of the 48 hr blockade?

To my mind this is the most fundamental point. In terms of the pandemic what could possibly change in 48 hrs?

How will it be safer for hauliers in 48 hrs time?

6. Is it a reasonable & proportionate response under those circumstances? The losses to firms carrying fresh produce will be enormous, so the speed of the prohibition on travel prevented firms sourcing alternative arrangements for freight.

7. It seems to me that additional bio-security measures could have been promoted. Advise hauliers not to pick up hitchhikers, to stay in their cabs whilst warehouse staff unload (as is often the case anyway), to follow social distancing rules & hand hygiene etc.

8. Due to the lack of logic re the 48 hrs, is the purpose of a temporary blockade to exert economic damage on the UK?

The unofficial legal test for this 'unlawful intent' for the purpose of damaging the economy of another nation.

9. As you can see from the legal text above, the law isn't settled as to what constitutes an economic blockade.

10. I've got as far as looking at GATT but I'm leaving off for tonight & will resume tomorrow with a fresh set of eyes to look at other international legal instruments.