The Sinn Féin MP team today met with hospitality and food representatives to discuss ongoing issues with importing hospitality products into the North as a result of Brexit. 

The Sinn Féin Brexit spokesperson, Chris Hazzard MP said:

“This morning, Sinn Féin MPs held an urgent meeting with major wholesalers and Hospitality Ulster to discuss ongoing issues with importing goods to the north from Britain post-Brexit.

“Many businesses and citizens have seen the direct impact of Brexit this month, with a variety of complex customs procedures impacting on our hospitality sector creating reduced access to some specific food and drink products. 

“Since 2016 our local hospitality and supermarket industry warned the British government that Brexit would result in a serious shock to the smooth supply of food products into the north, and the long-term viability of many exiting supply chains. 

“The British government did not heed these warnings, and instead denied a vitally important transition period to businesses to familiarise themselves with trading compliance as the British Government’s negotiating strategy ran down the clock in 2020. 

“Instead of a transition and implementation period, 2020 became a prolonged negotiating period. 

“It is no surprise then, in tandem with the effects of a global pandemic, that we are encountering serious teething problems and a lack of familiarity with new customs arrangements. 

“Sinn Féin will continue to engage with businesses on issues arising from Brexit to protect workers and families.”