The United Kingdom is gearing up to leave the European Union’s custom union.

The UK Government has announced a £705m (NZ$1.35 billion) funding package to manage Britain's borders.

England, Scotland and Wales will leave the customs union at the end of the year, while a de facto customs border exists down the Irish Sea, with Northern Ireland remaining an entry point.

The funding package will see £470 million to be spent on infrastructure such as border control posts built inland where there is no space for coastal posts to deal with the increased checks.

A further £235 million for computer systems and extra staff,

The policy has been criticised by opposition parties, as there are only a few months left until the UK leaves the EU at the end of the year.

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