Technology on the Irish border 'not workable'

Talking to Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Business Greg Clark MP and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley MP at Stormont, FTA's Northern Ireland policy manager Seamus Leheny said: “Logistics operators are clear that the Irish border must remain frictionless after Brexit, to ensure that trading relationships are protected and business can continue to flourish.”

During this weekend's visit, the MPs discussed their proposed "maximum facilitiation" solution to the Irish border with Mr Leheny and other business representatives and considered ways in which the constitutional and economic integrity of the UK could be upheld, while reinforcing commitments made to the people of Northern Ireland.

Leheny continued: “The conversations we had this weekend were a welcome opportunity to raise the concerns of the logistics industry directly with those at the negotiating table in Brussels, particularly the need to avoid infrastructure at the border, and the fact that technology at the border on vehicles will not be a workable solution. Clarity over the rules of origin for goods is vital, and despite the fact that compliance for the north-south trading route will be difficult to administer, I am confident that our message - that Ireland needs to remain open for business, with no delays at its borders – will be carried into the next round of talks with the EU."