Political Representatives call for Special Status in Brexit negotiations

Local political representatives Chris Hazzard and Megan Fearon have reiterated the calls for special status within the EU for the province during recent meetings with members of the rural community.

 

South Down MP Chris Hazzard has has said South Down farmers are fearful that they face a post-Brexit drop in income after the British Government has warned this week that agricultural subsidies will have to be a 'earned rather than simply handed out'.

 

The MP was speaking with a group of South Down farmers this week with Martina Anderson MEP in Burrenbridge, Co Down who are worried that subsidies will be drastically reduced in the wake of Brexit.

Mr Hazzard said “Currently more than 80% of farming income comes in the form of EU agricultural subsidy; so fears have been raised considerably following the remarks of Environment Secretary Michael Gove that subsidies will have to be earned - whatever that means.

“Many local farmers are now expressing frustration and anger that Tory / DUP pledges over Brexit are starting to ring hollow.

“Speaking with local farmers this week it is clear that any removal of subsidies and introduction of agricultural tariffs on produce would have a crippling effect on our farming industry here in South Down.

Mr Hazzard concluded “It is becoming abundantly clear that the only way to protect our agri-food industry is to secure special status for the North of Ireland within the EU.”

 

Party colleague Newry and Armagh MLA Megan Fearon has also expressed concern of the dire impact Brexit will have on rural communities, particularly in border areas.

“In recent weeks I have met with community groups and campaigners who are concerned about loss of vital funding and the prospect of increased rural isolation, particularly among older people", said Fearon.

“Farmers are particularly fearful for their futures as they don’t believe that a Tory government which has been wedded to austerity will replace EU funding streams.

“They are also worried about the prospect of a reinforced border on the island of Ireland and the devastating impact it would have on the agricultural sector, an industry my local area in South Armagh relies on.

 “There is growing support across Ireland and throughout Europe for the case for Designated Special Status, and we now need to see everyone, particularly the Irish government, getting behind it to make it a reality.”