Write a commentNewry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty has said that governments north and south must move to provide clarity for the future of the farming industry after Brexit.
Mr McNulty was speaking after the SDLP and Fianna Fáil held a meeting in the Carrickdale last week with the Irish Farmers’ Association’s Director General Damian McDonald, entitled ‘Brexit and the Agri Food Sector.’
Commenting Mr McNulty said, "Brexit is the greatest political challenge this island has faced since partition. The shenanigans in Westminster have been disturbing and almost comedic and the sad thing is, as each day passes, they’re getting worse. The problem is the Brexit backing MP’s haven’t a clue about the impact their ideological stance is having on this island and our economy.
"There is so much chaos and an outright lack of clarity. Not only is it unclear what the outcome of Brexit will be, but it is also completely up in the air what supports will be in place for the farming and agri-food industry.
"In recent weeks we have seen HMRC announce proposals for import and export tariffs. This news has sent a shockwave through the industry and farmers are genuinely fearful for their livelihoods. We can’t be sure if the tariffs are just scaremongering or if that is what they will put in place. To think that, after two years, they are putting this on the table shows the inept and ill-informed level of thinking of the UK Governement.
"It is particularly important to remember that if there are barriers to trade, the problems it would create would have an major impact on this entire island and on Europe as well."
