Pragmatic approach required to GB/NI checks

Reacting to reports that the government set itself a target of reaching an SPS agreement with the EU in 2027 Neil Johnston, Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium said they would encourage the UK Government to reach a deal before then.

“Retailers have been to the fore in implementing the Windsor Framework in a way that has largely ensured that customers in Northern Ireland have generally not noticed much difference in the broad range of products on the shelves,” said Mr Johnston.

“Complying with these regulations has been bureaucratic and costly for retailers however, and that is why we welcomed the prospect of a deal on SPS arrangements when the UK and EU announced their desire for this in May. Unnecessary bureaucracy leads to additional costs which ultimately will impact on prices faced by consumers.

“We understand that negotiations on the details can take time, but it would be to the benefit of all concerned if a deal could be reached sooner rather than later. We would encourage the UK government to try to reach a deal before 2027.

“What is vitality important, however, is that given the commitment to a deal on both sides, that current regulations are enforced in a pragmatic and proportionate way until the improved deal is implemented.

“The government is also committed to protecting the operation of the UK internal market and it is crucial for consumers that this commitment is upheld. Consumers should not face reduced choice between now and any SPS agreement due to the over-zealous enforcement of rules that all sides are committed to removing.”