Retail NI speak out following defeat of Prime Minister’s Brexit deal

Retailers and traders in Northern Ireland are keen to know what happens next following the overwhelming defeat of Theresa May’s Brexit deal last night.

The Prime Minister experienced a crushing loss by 230 votes – making it the biggest defeat inflicted on any government.

Commenting on the vote, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:

 “This is a disappointing but not unexpected result. While the Prime Minister’s draft Withdrawal Bill was in no way perfect, it was definitely preferable to crashing out of the EU with no deal”

“The Government now needs to work on a cross-party basis with Labour and other opposition parties to reach a broader agreement for a withdrawal deal and secure the transition period, protect jobs and a positive future relationship with the EU”

“It is vital that Labour Party leadership meets with the representatives of the business community in Northern Ireland to move this process forward”

“Parliament needs to make it crystal clear that No Deal will not be accepted given the disastrous impact this would have on the economy of Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK”