NI Business Leaders Support Draft Brexit Deal

Business leaders from Northern Ireland have warned a no-deal Brexit would be "catastrophic" and urged the DUP to back Prime Minister Theresa May's plan.

A delegation of around 50 representatives met Mrs May in Downing Street yesterday, Thursday 22 November, to set out their concerns.

Major employers were represented, including farmers, pharmaceutical companies, retailers and those in the hospitality industry.

Angela McGowan, Director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Northern Ireland said the meeting brought many business stakeholders together, with everyone hoping for a comprehensive trade agreement that "protects jobs, trade, investment & ensures no hard border".

Seamus Leheny, Policy Manager for the Freight Transport Association NI added that all in the discussion room agreed the current deal is "needed".

"PM assured us economic prosperity is a realistic outcome for NI from Brexit," he said on Twitter.

The group met for around an hour with Mrs May, as well as Cabinet Minister David Lidington and Business Secretary Greg Clark.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister thanked those who supported her draft agreement.

"Your voices are incredibly important," she said.

It comes as the DUP, who prop up the Conservative Government through their confidence and supply deal, have repeatedly expressed their lack of support for the deal.

The party's leader, Arlene Foster, conducted a round of talks on Wednesday 21 with NI business leaders, including David Boyd from Rockabill NI.

She later said in a post on Twitter: "Real worry about impact of draft Withdrawal Agreement on their industries."



(JG/CM)