Business voice seems to have “yet again been forgotten”
Current signals are not helping supply chain logistics in the run up to Christmas
No commercial benefit to triggering Article 16
Monday 8 November 2021 - Triggering Article 16 will not address current trade challenges arising from the UK’s departure from the European Union and will do little to enhance business confidence in Northern Ireland, according to Chartered Accountants Ireland. The comments come from the all-island accountancy body in reaction to signals that the UK will execute Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Paul Henry said:
“Article 16 was designed as a last resort clause – it is not a solution to the difficulties of a post-Brexit adjustment environment. If it is triggered, it will cause significant upheaval for businesses that are already trying desperately to keep goods moving, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
“We are disappointed that the business voice seems to have been yet again forgotten. Some pragmatic solutions to reduce the current friction in goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are on the table, and these solutions should be worked through without the threat of triggering Article 16 looming.
Mr Henry continued:
“We know from engaging with businesses and government agencies alike that they are making progress in adjusting to the new trading rules brought about by the UK’s departure from the EU. We don’t see any commercial advantages in triggering Article 16.”
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