Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Food sector Brexit fears
No-deal would be ‘fatal blow’ to industry
Food production here would be decimated under the Government’s tariff proposals in the event of a no-deal Brexit. That is the opinion of an umbrella group of Northern Irish organisations that have come out in force to oppose the recent suggestions and to urge MPS to take the no-deal option off the table.
In a rare joint statement, the agri-food alliance said the proposals could give Europe unfettered access to sell their goods here while local producers would not be able to freely export to the EU.
It added: “It would deal a fatal blow to indigenous food production in the UK and in particular Northern Ireland. It must not be contemplated.” The group warned a no-deal scenario would crush the farming base, destroy family businesses within weeks and decimate investment.
They said roads could be gridlocked, with ports experiencing a sharp rise in trade as goods travel from the Republic to GB. The statement added:
“It would be a hugely backward step for Northern Ireland, not just economically but socially and politically.”
The agri-food alliance includes the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, Northern Ireland Poultry Federation, Northern Ireland Pork and Bacon Forum, Dairyuk, Northern Ireland Meat Exporters’ Association and Northern Ireland Bakery Council. The comments have also been supported by the Ulster Farmers Union. CBI Northern Ireland chief Angela Mcgowan said the proposals would inevitably lead to a hard border.
She added: “The Government’s proposals are confused at best, disingenuous at worst.”