Protocol’s growing stranglehold on business
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“A little noted consequence of the Windsor Framework is the phasing out of the hitherto applicable grace periods as the full weight of EU law comes into place.
“One such area relates to the processing of meat in Northern Ireland from third countries. Until now a bulk shipment of meat could be brought into a central GB, for example from New Zealand, and then freely distributed around the UK, including NI, for processing on the strength of a single veterinary inspection.
“This is because, under EU rules, which will now be fully imposed, it will be considered ‘triangular trade’ whereby a vet from one country (UK) cannot re-certify material from another country (e.g. New Zealand) for onward movement to NI. The Windsor Framework did not dissipate this EU rule, but rather gave it full effect from January 2024.
“As ‘Farming UK’ has reported, “The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has said it marks "another erosion of the ability of UK meat businesses to operate and trade flexibly and cost-effectively within the our own borders".
It warned that this 'obscure' trade rule would have 'real-world ramifications' for UK companies.
“Losing the flexibility to move product between processing plants forces them to have to re-jig their staffing and plant capacity," a spokesperson for BMPA said.
"It will likely rob jobs and production from Northern Ireland and require expansion somewhere on the mainland, all of which costs money, and adds to food price inflation.”
“So, once more the detriment of the Protocol is becoming clearer as the reach and negative effect of its tentacles evolve. This is what it means to have surrendered sovereignty to the EU over the laws governing vital sectors of our economy.”
Here is the Farming UK publication:-
https://www.farminguk.com/News/new-restrictions-in-movement-of-meat-pr…

🐦🔗: https://nitter.cz/JimAllister/status/1748809072101482584#m

[2024-01-20 20:45 UTC]