Roy Beggs MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Infrastructure spokesperson has expressed concern at the increase in transport and supply costs as a result of the NI Protocol, as indicated in a recent survey by Manufacturing NI and by concerns being expressed by pharmaceutical suppliers.
Manufacturing NI Survey
· 77% said they have experienced a negative impact on their business
· 36% believe the difficulties are likely to persist
· 86% of firms have increased input costs on transportation
Roy Beggs MLA said:
“Just over a year ago we had the Alliance Party, SDLP and Sinn Fein writing to Boris Johnson trying to ensure the full implementation of NI Protocol. But it is adding costs to local businesses and will make them less competitive.
“This week we learned that the NI Protocol impacts on medicines and medical devices used by our Health Trusts and pharmacists. There are already concerns about the implication for the cost and the availability of products which are being required to be specifically marked and packaged for NI, even though there is no risk to the EU Single Market from drugs given out by our Health Service.
“It is time for all Parties to recognise the risks to our citizens as a result of the NI Protocol and all to work to remove the unnecessary bureaucratic restrictions being insisted upon us by the EU.