Long extension now needed - Brexit reaction

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today expressed deep concern at the inability of the UK government to ratify the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. The group said a long extension was now needed to avoid a ‘no deal’ exit, safeguard the Good Friday Agreement and allow the UK political system to reach agreement on a way forward. The group said the Withdrawal Agreement, as agreed, provides the best way to ensure an orderly UK exit, with an extended transitional period, and address key Irish concerns, including avoiding a hard border. 

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “The risk of a ‘no deal’ has already cost Irish business millions and still there is no clarity. A long delay is now required for the UK to find a political consensus on a sensible way forward and remove the risk of a ‘no deal’ cliff edge. A short extension, with no clarity on how an agreement will be reached, is of limited use to business. The ever-present risk of ‘no deal’ economic chaos needs to be taken off the table. Business will need clarity and an extended transition period to adjust to any new EU-UK trading relationship.

“Close EU-UK alignment into the future is in our collective economic interests and is a vital means to safeguard the Peace Process and the functioning of the all-island economy,” concluded Mr McCoy.