Negotiated solution the best way on protocol, says Northern Ireland retailer group

By David Shrimpton in Industry News 3rd February 2022

The director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium has warned that moves to stop border checks between the region and the rest of the UK will not solve the argument over trading arrangements with the EU.

Aodhan Connolly said: “These checks are just one part of the GB-NI process that was agreed by the UK government and the EU.

“As well as customs, there is still a responsibility on traders who are moving goods to complete the paperwork required…if they wish to continue being part of that scheme.

“Even if the checks are not in place, there is a requirement to have the correct authorisations.”

Connolly made his comments after Northern Irish agriculture minister Edwin Poots told border staff to stop making checks on goods coming from the rest of the UK.

It is not clear how far the checks have actually stopped, but the argument about the Northern Ireland trading protocol continues unabated.

Connolly added: “Our meetings with the EU, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for State have shown that both sides want a negotiated solution. What business needs is stability, certainty, simplicity and affordability.

“That must be the focus for our politicians so we can keep choice and affordability for NI households.

“We will continue to work with both sides to deliver a solution, but any long-term, workable solution must be a negotiated solution between the EU and UK that removes friction.”