Northern Ireland business bodies have issued a cautious welcome to news of Rishi Sunak’s Windsor Framework deal with the European Union. Hammered out in recent days by UK and EU negotiators, the deal was announced jointly in Windsor, the proposals aim to smooth trade flows between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Initial reaction to the deal has centred around commendation to both sides of the negotiations for the hard work put in to resolve many of their differences. However, most commentators are reserving judgement on the proposals until they have absorbed the detail.
The Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group, a collaboration of 14 business bodies in Northern Ireland, was optimistic about the deal.
“From the outset our priority has been to secure an agreed, durable outcome that protects our consumers and enables our businesses to thrive,” it said in a statement. “Reaching an agreement is an important step in securing the stability and certainty businesses have been seeking.
“While we do not doubt that many issues will have been resolved, others may remain and/or arise in future, so we would encourage the UK and EU to continue with a constructive, solutions-focussed approach as businesses adjust to the new arrangements. It is our shared aspiration that this agreement will deliver a unique platform that unlocks economic growth and investment, but we will now need time and space to work through the technical detail with our members.”
The Chief Executive of Retail NI - the body which represents independent retailers - Glyn Roberts agreed, adding that further discussion is needed.
“In the interim, what is blatantly evident, is that the agreement needs to work, not just for all the businesses in our local supply chain, but also for local consumers,” he said. “Ongoing engagement between the business community and the EU and UK Government will be critical as the implementation process of this deal begins.”
He called for a restoration of local government.
“It is imperative that the NI Executive and Assembly is now restored to deal with the huge economic challenges that lie ahead. Northern Ireland needs a working Government.”
