CBI Northern Ireland responds to NI Protocol agreement

Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said:

“This long-awaited clarity will help businesses continue with their preparations. The fact that the NI Protocol will be a dynamic document, with arrangements able to evolve and be reviewed over time, is also welcome.

“But business preparations also depend on a deal being done. While affording some time to adjust is welcome, questions remain on operational readiness and the longer-term impact for supply chains. This starts with turning legal text into practical guidance so firms can act.

“It is now incumbent on both sides to intensify their engagement with Northern Ireland’s business community in the coming months to safeguard firms and consumers.

“Combined with this new detail and the rollout of the vaccine, the Northern Ireland Executive must now accelerate the delivery of an agreed economic strategy for sustainable, inclusive growth, protecting businesses, and in turn, people’s jobs and livelihoods.”