One of the most influential business organisations in Northern Ireland has met with Michael Gove and Maroš Šefčovič to urge them to iron out issues in the Brexit protocol which are interrupting the flow of goods across the Irish Sea.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) Northern Ireland said the issues are overshadowing any potential benefits from the region’s unique status following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
It follows the widely reported frustrations of business owners and consumers trying to import goods into Northern Ireland who have faced increased red tape and delays at entry points since the start of this year when the transition period ended.
At a meeting with the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee Co-Chairs this week, the IoD called for the establishment of a business consultative body to “ensure we all work in a pragmatic way to delivers for all citizens in Northern Ireland”, IoD National Director Kirsty McManus said.
“We need the EU and UK to pragmatically and flexibly address the challenges with the implementation of the protocol to ensure it delivers for all in Northern Ireland. It is clear that Northern Ireland could have a competitive advantage via our dual access to Great Britain and the EU Single Market but this is being overshadowed by elements of the protocol between GB and NI which is causing friction.
The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee oversees UK and EU implementation, application and interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Ms McManus said business in Northern Ireland wants to see a resolution to the issues and promised to work together as one to make progress and eek out any advantage which could emerge.
“The business community will continue to work collectively under the NI Business Brexit working group to be a voice for businesses in Northern Ireland."
A report released by The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce released this week found more than half of the companies it survey have seen UK sales contract in the last three months while 53% have seen export sales outside Northern Ireland decline.
