Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has appealed to the UK Government and European Union to step back from proposals that could be “catastrophic” for the Northern Ireland economy.

Steve Aiken MLA said:

“The proposals applying to Northern Ireland post-Brexit should be of deep concern to us all.  Increased checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will place an impediment on supply chains. The lack of preparation to allow local sectors to prepare for the new regime for goods traded back and forth between Northern Ireland and Great Britain is a scandal, and that is before you acknowledge the serious challenges posed to the Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent.

“The negotiations that are getting underway provide the platform for both the UK Government and the European Union to provide a commitment that Northern Ireland will have continued and unfettered access within the United Kingdom’s internal market.  They must do so at the earliest opportunity.  If they do not, then we must revisit all options available to us ahead of the 1 July deadline for agreeing an extension to the Brexit transition period.

“A part of the United Kingdom being treated differently in areas such as the movement of goods, state aid and remaining under the jurisdiction of the European Court hardly amount to ‘taking back control’.  We have heard much from both the United Kingdom and the European Union on their commitment to Northern Ireland.  Yet these proposals, and the lack of preparation for them coming into effect, could be catastrophic.  I would appeal to both sides to step back from these reckless proposals.”