Lack of progress in Northern Ireland talks disappointing

Monday 16 January 2023

Richard Burge, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said:

“We were glad to see a joint statement published today on behalf of James Cleverly and Maros Šefčovič, but we are disappointed that there was not more concrete progress announced.

“We urge the UK Government to continue working productively with the EU to finalise the framework for a deal to bring the Northern Ireland Protocol dispute to a mutually beneficial resolution. This will be critical to protect the UK's macroeconomic stability and give businesses greater certainty on trade relations with the EU going forward - something firms have struggled with in recent years.

“Now is the time to press ahead and get a deal over the line. We cannot allow any backsliding of progress or renewed threat to take the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill forward at this pivotal moment. The threat of a trade war is still on the table and it will not be gone until both sides have agreed a deal.”

ENDS