Mike Nesbitt MLA, Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, has called for urgent action to allow Northern Ireland's three airports to be able to reinstate duty free shopping for flights from Northern Ireland to the EU.

Mr Nesbitt MLA stated, 'Outside of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Northern Ireland is the second most dependent UK region on air travel, and the absence of duty free shopping is an unwelcome incentive to travellers to choose airports in the Republic of Ireland, where savings on duty free goods can actually cover the costs of flights.

The Prime Minister suggested the Windsor Framework represented the best of both worlds. But for Belfast International, Belfast City and City of Derry airports, the current duty free regime is the worst of both worlds. It is an anomaly that requires an urgent fix.'