British Irish Chamber of Commerce Calls for Robust UK/Ireland Action Plan to Allay Brexit Fears

17 Mar 2017 --- With British Prime Minister Theresa May imminently triggering Article 50 after the Queen has given Royal Assent to the EU Notification of Withdrawal Bill, the countdown to Brexit edges ever closer.

Political heavyweights and industry all over the world are watching closely, this is particularly true for commerce in Ireland where industry leaders are considering the impact of Brexit on trade deals and the future of business between their closest neighbors. 

In fact, the impact of Brexit on the agri food and financial services sector was top of the agenda at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce Conference yesterday (Mar 16), where industry professionals gathered in Dublin for discussions on the theme of the conference, ‘Ireland and England - the Only Game in Town?’.

There was a range of perspectives put forward, with Brian Hayes MEP for Dublin warning that in the years ahead Irish based business trading with the UK and with the EU will have to carefully access political developments within the UK and describes the EU as a “very stern opponent” in forthcoming negotiations on issues like the single market, customs unions and free movement of people. 

“They will also have to make a judgment call on the progress of Brexit negotiations, while at the same time being fully aware of political developments within the EU. The upcoming elections in France and Germany also have the potential to deliver greater uncertainty; hopefully they will bring increased stability,” he said.

“If the United kingdom tries to play chicken with the EU in these negotiations they will end up as roadkill. Greece tried to do this during their bailout talks and they learned their lesson the hard way. While the UK does have some cards to play, the EU clearly holds the upper hand in these talks. It is the EU that holds the keys to a transitional deal, single market access, customs union, equivalence and any sort of bespoke deal that the UK wants. If the UK wants to play brinkmanship, they will be facing a very stern opponent.”

Businessman and Patron of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, Niall FitzGerald KBE DSA, called for a “clear and compelling” National Development so Ireland doesn’t get swept up in the global wave of “alienation”.

“We don’t have to settle for the status quo. We don’t have to allow ourselves to be carried along on a global wave of alienation, hatred and divisiveness. Ireland doesn’t have to lose out to the challenges of Brexit, of Trump, of Protectionism or to the loss of Trust in Politics or Business,” he said.

“In fact it’s my firm belief that Ireland can instead be a unique beacon of openness, diversity and social inclusion. Ethically leading, outward looking, embracing technology & lifelong learning and fairly sharing the benefits among all. But this will only happen if we have a clear and compelling National Development Plan executed through a real partnership between business and the community.”

Also addressing the conference was Minister for Health Simon Harris TD.

“Continuing economic growth is key to underpinning continued increased investment in public services and that is why in the Brexit negotiations ahead, we must protect our economy, especially the sectors that are heavily reliant on the UK for their business,” he said.

“Patients on the island of Ireland are benefiting from significant developments in cross-border health care activity over the last decade. My department is fully playing its part in the interdepartmental group on Brexit with the priority of ensuring continuity of health services, both north and south, and, of course, between Ireland and the UK.”

Minister Harris also reiterated his department's bid for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency to Dublin: “Dublin offers us the best chance to minimize any disruption to the EMA’s vital work caused by the relocation. We have a lot to offer current and future staff, and their spouses, partners and families. We have the air connectivity, the infrastructure and the vibrant life sciences sector.”