The Ulster Unionist Party cautiously welcome the announcement made this week by the UK Government regarding legislation linked to the new UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.

Ulster Unionist Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA said:

“If delivered properly, this has the potential to be a positive first step towards reducing the trade barriers that have disrupted the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“However, significant questions remain about the Government’s communication of the agreement and the practical impact it will have for businesses here.

“For those working across farming, agri-food production and the wider food supply chain, what matters is not headline announcements but tangible outcomes. Businesses need clarity on exactly what “carve outs” are being secured, what specific checks and paperwork will be removed, and what the real, practical benefits will be for Northern Ireland companies moving goods within the UK internal market."

Having engaged with stakeholders this week Robbie Butler continued by saying:

“The Government has spoken about removing red tape, but it must now be specific about what that means in practice. Farmers, food processors and suppliers need to know whether this will genuinely restore the smooth, reliable supply chains that existed before the disruption caused by the previous Westminster Government’s disastrous Brexit trade negotiations.

“Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector depends on highly integrated supply chains that move products and ingredients seamlessly across these islands. Common sense must prevail. If goods are moving within the UK internal market and pose no risk to the EU Single Market, there should be no unnecessary checks, no excessive certification and no artificial barriers.

“This agreement must ultimately deliver the restoration of normal supply chains, reduce bureaucracy for businesses and ensure that Northern Ireland companies are not placed at a competitive disadvantage.

“It is also essential that any new arrangements are future-proofed for Northern Ireland, providing long-term stability regardless of political or regulatory instability that may emerge in the years ahead.

“Our party will now take time to carefully analyse the detail of the proposed arrangements. We will be seeking clear answers from Government on what changes will actually take place on the ground and will be pressing for ambitious timelines for implementation, so that businesses and farmers in Northern Ireland can finally see the barriers created in recent years begin to be removed.

“Northern Ireland’s farming and food sector is one of our greatest economic strengths. It deserves practical solutions, clear communication from Government, and common sense measures that support trade rather than stifle it with unnecessary red tape.”