Since the referendum on 23 June 2016, Newry Chamber of Commerce has heard evidence from a range of its membership base across the financial services; pharmaceutical; Ports; retail; and manufacturing on the implications of Brexit. The Chamber has also lobbied extensively to Politicians on both sides of the border to ensure the voice of the business community is heard.
Michael McKeown, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce said: “It is clear from the initial evidence that access to the single market is the preference of most of our members – meaning free movement of goods, services, people and capital. “However, The Prime Minister, Teresa May has today confirmed that the UK has foregone single market access to take back control of borders. What that might look like and how that will translate in practice on the ground in our unique location on the border with the Republic of Ireland remains a mystery and a huge concern. Newry Chamber will continue to work with our members on the ground to provide business support, information, lobbying and representation to prioritise the interests of our members”.
Mary Meehan, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce said that given the large flow of workers commuting across the border each day , she welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to deliver a practical solution that allows the maintenance of the Common Travel Area with the Republic. However she also expressed concern on the loss of single market access and what measures would be taken to control the transport of goods across the border every day. She said ‘At a time, when many companies are already struggling with the rising cost of euro imports, how well will they then be able to absorb any increase in tariffs in a post EU environment given that the EU is our largest export market and exports to the Republic of Ireland account for 37% of overall exports to the EU?
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