Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said today’s statement from Manufacturing NI confirms that people and businesses want stability and solutions to make the Protocol work smoothly. 

And the party’s economy spokesperson again called on the British government to remove its threat to trigger Article 16.

Caoimhe Archibald said:

“Manufacturing NI’s statement again confirms that despite unionist rhetoric, businesses want solutions to make the Protocol work smoothly and are opposed to attempts to scrap it.

“Many different types of manufacturers are benefitting from the opportunities of the Protocol and continued access to both the EU single market and British market to create jobs and investment.

“This reflects what I’ve heard from many businesses; they support the protections the protocol provides against the worst excesses of Brexit and safeguarding of the all-island economy. 

“Manufacturing brings in around £15 billion to the local economy, so it is crucial their views are listened to both by the DUP economy minister and the British government.

“The British government should remove its reckless threat to trigger Article 16 and work with the EU in the talks to find solutions that give certainty and stability to businesses.”