British Government accused of Derry snub over visa plans
'Legislation is potentially devastating to the tourist industry'
A member of Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) has accused the British Government of "snubbing" the people of Derry by continuing to pursue controversial new visa restrictions.
Cllr Christopher Jackson (Sinn Féin) said the new restrictions were threatening the local tourist industry.
His comment followed the response which DCSDC received from British Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick, on the issue.
Cllr Jackson added: "Council wrote to the British Secretary of State to outline the huge concerns that the tourist industry, and indeed the citizens of this region, have about the plan to unilaterally impose new visa restrictions on travel between the north and south of Ireland.
“This legislation is potentially devastating to the tourist industry as it would require visitors who wish to come to the North from the south, to obtain and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
“Council stressed our strong rejection of these plans based on the realities of life on the island of Ireland and particularly the fact that we have a single tourism economy. However, in his response, Britain’s Immigration Minister makes clear that he does not intend to reconsider.
“That is a clear snub to the people of Derry and the very real concerns that we have about the devastating impact of these reckless and offensive plans."
Cllr Jackson estimated that more than half a million tourists journey across the island each year, spending £250 million in the local economy.
“We cannot allow that to be jeopardised, so these plans need to be scrapped," he said.
“Sinn Féin will continue to directly challenge the British Government on this absurd legislation and we also urge the Irish Government to use all the influence at its disposal to oppose it.”