Northern Ireland

Welcome for official figures showing north's economy is outperforming Britain

Sinn Féin's Caoimhe Archibald. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Sinn Féin's Caoimhe Archibald. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire Sinn Féin's Caoimhe Archibald. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

OFFICIAL figures showing that the north's economy is outperforming England, Scotland and Wales have been welcomed.

Office for National Statistics' data published on Wednesday shows that the Northern Ireland economy grew by 1.4 per cent in the third quarter of last year. The corresponding figures show growth in Scotland was 0.9 per cent, while it was 0.6 per cent in England and -0.3 per cent for Wales.

Sinn Féin's Caoimhe Archibald said the figures were evidence that the protocol was working and creating jobs.

"Our continued access to the EU single market as well as the British market has created opportunities for new investment and jobs," she said.

"Those in political unionism who continue to rail against the protocol are ignoring these opportunities for our manufacturers, our retailers, businesses and workers.

The East Derry MLA said unionist parties who criticise the post-Brexit trade arrangements were "ignoring these opportunities for our manufacturers, our retailers, businesses and workers".

"Businesses continue to call for the operation of the protocol to be made easier and for more focus on the opportunities.

“We now need the British government to genuinely engage in negotiations to find solutions to provide certainty and stability for business and wider society here."

The SDLP's Matthew O’Toole said the data demonstrated that the protocol was "mitigating against the worst effects of Brexit".

"The protocol, although no one’s first choice, must be worked if we are to see even greater economic benefits," he said.

The South Belfast MLA said his party had published proposals for "maximising the benefits of dual market access".

"The economy minister must finally start promoting our unique position rather trying to destroy it," he said.

"It is only by politicians and parties collectively working together to promote these opportunities that the people of Northern Ireland can reap the rewards."