Commenting on the publication of the Northern Ireland Protocol bill, Stuart Anderson, Head of Public Affairs, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) said:
“While there are attractive elements in today’s proposals for consumer facing businesses in particular, a careful balance must be struck to protect gains made to date by our exporters and agri-food sub-sectors. The apparent shifting of risk onto NI businesses is a cause for particular concern.
“As our businesses fight the challenge of soaring inflation, it is incumbent on the EU and the UK to recommence discussions without any further delay. We stand ready to play our part in supporting lasting solutions that work for NI businesses and households.
“The process of unilateral reform commenced today is not at our request but we remain firmly of the view that an agreed way forward can be found. Anything other than a negotiated outcome is simply sub-optimal.”
