Ann McGregor calls for more support for business from Boris Johnson amid Brexit uncertainty

“There is absolutely no appetite for for a no-deal Brexit in Northern Ireland, and the new Prime Minister must understand just how devastating it would be for the region.

“The impact on Northern Ireland in particular was highlighted recently by our Department for the Economy.

“It stated that a no-deal Brexit would have ‘immediate and severe consequences’ for Northern Ireland, would put 40,000 jobs at risk, and would see exports to the Republic of Ireland falling by between 11 and 19 per cent.

“Given the ongoing lack of clarity and certainty, NI Chamber is calling on Johnston’s government to step up its support for business, and help companies prepare for all scenarios,” argued the business lobby leader.

Writing in this week’s ‘Sunday Business Post’ Ms. McGregor, stated that businesses needed to know how customs and sanitarty and phytosanitary checks would take place in the aftermath of Brexit.

She pointed out that the burden of meeting the Brexit challenge was particularly onerous for small and medium enterprises.

Ms. McGregor declared the restablishment of the power-sharing institutions at Stormont as a key priority.

“The Prime Minister and the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith, must make a firm committment to restoring the power-sharing institutions at Stormont.

“Businesses here are facing one of the most uncertain periods in history, and the protracted absence of a functioning Executive is compounding their unique challenges.

“As a matter of priority, both men must do everything possible to see the institutions restored.

“It is time for swift and decisive action, and we call on Johnson to work with business in a ture partnership.”