Menu
17/02/2023
Govt Urged To Remove Barriers To Trade Between GB And NI
The DUP is calling on the Government to remove barriers to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The party's Infrastructure Spokesman and MLA for North Belfast, Phillip Brett, made the call following a meeting with Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK.
He said: "The meeting with Logistics UK was a useful opportunity to speak with the representative body for many local Haulage companies and discuss their concerns around the impact on their industry by the NI Protocol.
"No one can be under any illusion of the difficulties created by the NI Protocol for east-west trade. Indeed, in recent evidence given to a House of Lords Committee, a major local haulage firm stated that the rigorous implementation of the Protocol would bring GB to NI trade 'to its knees' within 48 hours.
"Already by November 2022, over 2.2 million customs declarations had been processed for the trade of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland by the Trader Support Service, at considerable cost to taxpayers and businesses. It is crucial that the Government listens and acts on the very valid concerns which have been brought to them by our freight and haulage industry.
"The Government has made clear commitments on many occasions to protect and strengthen the UK internal market, including in both its own Command Paper and the New Decade New Approach agreement. It is now time for them to honour those commitments.
"The Protocol needs to be replaced by arrangements that restore Northern Ireland’s place in the U.K. internal market, respecting both the constitutional and economic integrity of our United Kingdom."
The party's Infrastructure Spokesman and MLA for North Belfast, Phillip Brett, made the call following a meeting with Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK.
He said: "The meeting with Logistics UK was a useful opportunity to speak with the representative body for many local Haulage companies and discuss their concerns around the impact on their industry by the NI Protocol.
"No one can be under any illusion of the difficulties created by the NI Protocol for east-west trade. Indeed, in recent evidence given to a House of Lords Committee, a major local haulage firm stated that the rigorous implementation of the Protocol would bring GB to NI trade 'to its knees' within 48 hours.
"Already by November 2022, over 2.2 million customs declarations had been processed for the trade of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland by the Trader Support Service, at considerable cost to taxpayers and businesses. It is crucial that the Government listens and acts on the very valid concerns which have been brought to them by our freight and haulage industry.
"The Government has made clear commitments on many occasions to protect and strengthen the UK internal market, including in both its own Command Paper and the New Decade New Approach agreement. It is now time for them to honour those commitments.
"The Protocol needs to be replaced by arrangements that restore Northern Ireland’s place in the U.K. internal market, respecting both the constitutional and economic integrity of our United Kingdom."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
06 June 2024
Trade Opportunities Must Be 'Seized And Maximised' – Murphy
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has called for all trade opportunities to be "seized and maximised" as he announced the launch of Invest Northern Ireland's international trade calendar of events and trade missions.
Trade Opportunities Must Be 'Seized And Maximised' – Murphy
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has called for all trade opportunities to be "seized and maximised" as he announced the launch of Invest Northern Ireland's international trade calendar of events and trade missions.
25 February 2022
Resolving Protocol Essential For Peace And Stability
The Protocol continues to divide opinion in Northern Ireland, but the majority agree that solving it is essential for peace and stability, according to a report from Queen's University Belfast (QUB).
Resolving Protocol Essential For Peace And Stability
The Protocol continues to divide opinion in Northern Ireland, but the majority agree that solving it is essential for peace and stability, according to a report from Queen's University Belfast (QUB).
26 July 2021
Economy Minister Urged To Take Advantage Of Special Economic Circumstances
The Economy Minister must act to take advantage of the special economic circumstances the protocol affords businesses in the north.
Economy Minister Urged To Take Advantage Of Special Economic Circumstances
The Economy Minister must act to take advantage of the special economic circumstances the protocol affords businesses in the north.
04 October 2011
Clinics Cancelled As Unison Strike Looms
It has been anticipated that as many as 8,000 hospital and educational staff members could be involved in Wednesday's strike action, called by the trade union, Unison.
Clinics Cancelled As Unison Strike Looms
It has been anticipated that as many as 8,000 hospital and educational staff members could be involved in Wednesday's strike action, called by the trade union, Unison.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
