Agreement needed to secure future of GB-NI trade – NIRC

Agreement needed to secure future of GB-NI trade – NIRC
Lord Frost warned the “burdens” created by the Northern Ireland Protocol will “worsen, not improve over time

As Brexit minister Lord Frost warned the “burdens” created by the Northern Ireland Protocol will “worsen, not improve over time, the UK called for ‘significant changes’ to the NI Protocol. The EU says non to re-notigation, which means more issues for suppliers, retailers and logistics companies following down the road.

Certainty and stability

Aodhán Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said:

“While it is good to see that the UK Government has listened to the problems facing retailers, any solution that is not agreed by both sides cannot provide the certainty and stability that retailers and NI consumers need.”

Solutions needed

“Any solution needs to be agreed with EU, as without this, there can be no stability. This could also have severe consequences for consumers across the UK, if sanctions, such as tariffs, are brought in under the provisions of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

Unique situation

“Northern Ireland is in a unique situation which requires a unique solution that is agreed by both the UK and EU. There is a real urgency now to deliver an agreed solution that works for consumers. It is hugely difficult for businesses to plan for the future or invest if there is no stability. Retailer need to know by August what the agreed arrangements from October will be to allow them to make key decisions on sourcing and availability of products and so avoid choice and affordability problems for NI households.”