Louise Haigh on NI Affairs Committee report into unfettered access

“The lack of detail and engagement from senior Ministers on the most significant change to border management in decades is staggering and irresponsible.

“The Government’s careless approach risks a ‘perfect storm’ for Northern Ireland with businesses unprepared for major new requirements with their largest trading partner, at a time when they are fighting to stay afloat during the Covid-19 crisis.

“The Prime Minister owes it to Northern Ireland businesses so badly let down by his broken promises, to urgently lay out the precise details of the new checks and arrangements that must be implemented in twenty six weeks’ time. This must include help with mitigation to avoid businesses going under as a result of the new costs, and outline if they will make use of measures like a bespoke Trusted Trader Scheme between GB and NI to avoid costly tariffs and checks on business.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

· The report found with less than six months to go, businesses are “still in the dark about what they should be preparing for on 1 January 2021.”
· The situation is now “urgent, and the continued lack of detail risks Northern Ireland not being prepared for the new trading arrangements, an outcome which would have significant economic consequences.”
· “We remain to be convinced that the Government fully understands that its political 10 approach, apparently informed by limited understanding of how business works, provides neither the clarity nor the detail that Northern Ireland business requires.”
· The report recommends the Government “reimburse business for any new costs incurred.”