Northern Ireland

UK government criticised over 'speak to Dublin' advice in no-deal Brexit scenario

Brexit traders told to speak to Dublin in event of no-deal. Picture by Victoria Jones/PA Wire.
Brexit traders told to speak to Dublin in event of no-deal. Picture by Victoria Jones/PA Wire. Brexit traders told to speak to Dublin in event of no-deal. Picture by Victoria Jones/PA Wire.

THE British government's suggestion that cross-border businesses contact the Dublin government for advice on trading in a 'no-deal' Brexit scenario was last night branded "farcical".

There was widespread derision among business and political leaders of advice contained in official UK government papers on trading in the absence of a comprehensive withdrawal agreement with the EU.

The documents cover a variety of sectors including medicine, finance and farming.

Brexit secretary Dominic Raab said reaching a deal with the EU was the "overriding priority" but that "we must be ready to consider the alternative".

He said the preparation papers "set out the practical information that we think Northern Ireland businesses should look at," in the case of a 'no-deal' situation.

Among advice for cross-border businesses in the event of a no-deal with the EU, the papers state: "If you trade across the land border, you should consider whether you will need advice from the Irish government about preparations you need to make."

Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI last night described the advice as "extraordinary".

"The fear was that there was little understanding in Whitehall, now there appears to be little care about how Northern Ireland businesses actually operate."

Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said the guidance confirmed the British government's "absolute contempt for the people of the north".

The Mid Ulster MLA said it reinforced the "disastrous consequences" of Brexit, which she said would include "more bureaucracy and more expense for businesses".

"It also confirms the British government's utter lack of preparation for the no-deal scenario they are hurtling towards."

SDLP Brexit spokeswoman Claire Hanna said the absence of a backstop in any of the advice was an "extremely worrying development".

Alliance Brexit spokesman and deputy leader Stephen Farry said the papers were "exercises in hope and wishful thinking rather than facing up to reality".

“Little consideration has been given to the differential impact of a no-deal scenario upon Northern Ireland.... It is farcical the best the UK Government can suggest is to seek answers from the Irish government and the European Commission."

Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said it was "essential" that as much clarity and certainty as possible are reached.

Responding to the papers tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said the "announcement is a matter for the UK government".

"Everyone's focus though should be on getting a deal on a sensible Brexit which must include the Irish backstop agreed last December."