General welcome for deal agreed between EU and UK
FSB responds to announcement of UK-EU deal
Responding to the UK and EU’s summit conclusions,xa0Alan Lowry, NI Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses,xa0said:
“I hope today’s deal will open up a new era in UK-EU relations.
“For too long small businesses in Northern Ireland have felt the chill from the fracture in relationships between close neighbours.
“This UK-EU deal certainly has the potential to make major inroads to reducing the bureaucratic burdens imposed on small businesses as a result of the Windsor Framework.
“It may also provide an accommodation that could reverse the deeply regrettable decisions of increasing numbers of GB businesses to stop supplying long-term, loyal business customers in Northern Ireland.
“There is still much work to be done in a number of areas, but it looks like we may be heading in the right direction. The next challenge will be to engender a sense of urgency in getting to that agreed destination as a matter of priority.”
Tina McKenzie, UK Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “This agreement marks genuine progress by untangling the rules for small exporters of plant and animal products. If British goods can reach European markets with fewer set-backs, that marks real progress.
“For too long, small businesses have shouldered the burden of unpredictable custom rules and red tape that sap confidence and ambition.
“Today’s agreement brings us a step closer to reducing the burdens for SMEs by clearing the bottleneck at the border, trading fresh produce and more efficient supply chains.
“We also welcome conversations on business mobility and the mutual recognition of qualifications across borders, and hope that small firms are given a seat at the table as plans take shape.
“Of course, this deal does not solve every challenge overnight, but it sets a very welcome new tone.
“International trade is so valuable – firms selling to overseas markets grow faster and are more likely to weather tough times.
“It is therefore vital that the spirit of this progress is not allowed to unravel.
“The task is to make sure the details work for small firms on the ground, from a bakery in Belfast to a cheese maker in Cheddleton. With ambition and common sense, we can move from stalemate to success.”
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Hazzard Welcomes EU-UK Deal
Sinn Féin South Down MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the deal agreed between the EU and the British government and emphasised the importance of recognising the unique circumstances of the North.
“I welcome the reset of relationships between the EU and British government undoing some of the disastrous impacts of Brexit.
“The people of the North were dragged out of Europe against their wishes so any improvements in the relationship between the British government and the EU, particularly in areas such as trade, agri-food, energy, and climate are positive steps,” the South Down MP said.
“We are concerned by the focus placed on funding increased militarisation rather than on the resolution of conflicts and on peace-building.”
“The easing of restrictions on businesses in the North is also a welcome development.
“It is important the all-island economy is protected and the unique circumstances of the North remain a central consideration in all decision-making.
“Sinn Féin remains committed to mitigating the disaster that was Brexit, supporting our local economy and ensuring that businesses here can make the most of our unique dual access to both the British and EU markets.”
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RETAIL NI Comments On EU-UK Deal
Commenting on the UK EU Deal signed today, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “This new deal represents significant progress toward an improved EU UK relationship which can only be positive for Northern Irelands economy”
“Retail NI hope that the SPS deal will dramatically reduce Irish Sea border friction and checks which will be good news for our members and most importantly for consumers”
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