Post-Protocol deal welcomed by Chamber and Logistics UK

The “clarity and certainty” offered by the Windsor Framework after a “turbulent period” has been welcomed by Selina Horshi, President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

Announced on Monday, the Windsor Framework is the proposed post-Brexit legal agreement between the European Union and Britain.

It is designed to address the problem of the movement of goods between the European Single Market and Britain in the current Northern Ireland Protocol.

Speaking after the announcement, Ms Horshi said: “It is positive news that the EU and the UK have reached an agreed deal over the NI Protocol after months of negotiations.

“This has been a turbulent period for businesses, and clarity and certainty are welcome. While we await the full legal text of the agreement, the efforts of UK and EU officials and ministers must be commended in getting us to this point.

“We are hopeful that this new agreement will further smooth trade for local businesses, iron out any of the problems for traders, and bolster our unique market position which guarantees this part of the world access to the European and British markets.

“However, above all, we are hopeful that this deal now paves the way for the full and speedy return of the Executive and Assembly at Stormont.

“Local political decision-making has been stalled for long enough. We hope that this deal means our MLAs who were elected nearly one year ago can get back to work and start delivering progressive legislation and fresh policies for businesses and households across Northern Ireland.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP said he would encourage political leaders to approach the terms of the deal in “good faith" and with a “determination to restore the democratic institutions” in the North.

Mr Eastwood added: “The SDLP will study the legal text of the agreement between the European Commission and the British Government. Our primary goals have been to retain the benefits of dual market access for businesses in Northern Ireland, restore the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and to send politicians back to work in the interests of all our people.

“My appeal to political leaders is to approach this moment in good faith and with a common determination to restore our Assembly and Executive. People have been badly let down with no government for far too long. It is time to abandon the politics of division and deadlock.

“To those intent on intervening in this process to bolster their own political position I would say this – do not attempt to wreck this deal, to demolish the hope of a resolution that serves the people of Northern Ireland. Do not let fragile egos inflict further damage to our fragile settlement.

“The SDLP will approach this deal in good faith, determined to get to work.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday (February 28), Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill said she had spoken to British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and had urged him to keep the “positive momentum going to restore the Executive without any more delays”.

Speaking after a meeting with key business representatives in Belfast, Ms O’Neill said: “Sinn Féin has also met with key local business leaders today to discuss progress on making the Protocol work more smoothly with less bureaucracy, paperwork and costs.

“Our businesses need certainty and stability, and they are clearly hopeful that the deal struck between London and Brussels can secure that in the time ahead. It has been our firm view that any agreement must protect the all-island economy, prevent a hard border and safeguard continued access to the EU single market.

“The deal is done. People are now clearly focused on getting an Executive up and running and want all parties around the table working together to deliver for workers, families and local businesses.

“We need an Executive in place that will unlock the huge economic opportunities of the Protocol to create jobs, strengthen our local economy and help businesses to expand. It's time the DUP ended its blockade of the Executive and worked with the rest of us to fix the health service, tackle waiting lists and help businesses, workers and families who are struggling with rising costs,” said Ms O’Neill.

Following a meeting with Rishi Sunak MP, Logistics UK has announced its “cautious optimism” regarding the Windsor Framework.

Logistics UK is one of the largest trade associations in Britain, with members moving goods by road, rail, sea and air.
Its mission is to represent the views and interests of more than 18,000 companies from the transport industry: from large multinationals to small and medium businesses.

Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK said: “While our review of the details continues, Logistics UK is pleased to note several of our proposals and pragmatic solutions, such as Green and Red Lanes, trade facilitation measures and parcel derogations, have been included within the agreement framework. While we are still communicating with members on their feedback, the initial response from those that transport goods between NI and GB has been positive.

“Logistics UK, along with several NI businesses and associations, met with the Prime Minister to discuss the agreement. It is encouraging to see the government willing to have these important conversations with businesses in NI, and Logistics UK reinforced with Mr Sunak the need for similar communication among GB suppliers, to ensure trade opportunities running from GB to NI are maximised.

“The devil will now be in the detail, and Logistics UK looks forward to working with members to see how this operates on the ground.

“As these changes come into effect, there will undoubtedly be challenges that this framework could not have predicted, and Logistics UK is urging the UK government and EU to continue their constructive engagement with industry, with clear and empowered mechanisms through which businesses can flag any issues so that swift, effective solutions can be found,” said Ms Mallon.

As Derry News went to print, no definitive response to the Windsor Framework had been published by the DUP or the UUP.