+ A
A -
DPA
London
British supermarkets have urged the government to intervene in the disruption in food supplies to Northern Ireland two weeks after the post-Brexit transition period of trading with the European Union ended.
In a letter sent to dpa, Asda, Iceland, Tesco, Co-op, M&S and Sainsbury’s said it was “essential” that a long term solution is found between the British government and the European Union to improve the issues in the supply chain.
It came after images of empty fruit and vegetable shelves in supermarkets in Northern Ireland were published by the Press Association (PA) on Tuesday.
The stores said the delay in stocking shelves was due to the new paperwork required to be filled out following the post-Brexit transition, which ended on December 31.
Alongside the trade association the British Retail Consortium, the stores have now written to government minister Michael Gove, who was involved in the Brexit talks, to come up with a solution as the current proposals are “unworkable.” “We believe the government needs to take a number of steps to work with us to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Northern Irish grocery market; one that recognises the need for robust controls to satisfy the EU but that recognises the unique situation of our supply chains, which until January 1st were fully integrated UK models,” they wrote.
It was agreed that British-administered Northern Ireland remain in the EU’s single market and customs union despite Brexit to maintain an open border with EU member the Republic of Ireland. It has created a de facto customs border between Britain and Northern Ireland.
The supermarket also called for an extension into the grace period which currently allows for “simplified controls” on sending food to Northern Ireland from Wales, Scotland and England, which is due to end on March 31.
London
British supermarkets have urged the government to intervene in the disruption in food supplies to Northern Ireland two weeks after the post-Brexit transition period of trading with the European Union ended.
In a letter sent to dpa, Asda, Iceland, Tesco, Co-op, M&S and Sainsbury’s said it was “essential” that a long term solution is found between the British government and the European Union to improve the issues in the supply chain.
It came after images of empty fruit and vegetable shelves in supermarkets in Northern Ireland were published by the Press Association (PA) on Tuesday.
The stores said the delay in stocking shelves was due to the new paperwork required to be filled out following the post-Brexit transition, which ended on December 31.
Alongside the trade association the British Retail Consortium, the stores have now written to government minister Michael Gove, who was involved in the Brexit talks, to come up with a solution as the current proposals are “unworkable.” “We believe the government needs to take a number of steps to work with us to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Northern Irish grocery market; one that recognises the need for robust controls to satisfy the EU but that recognises the unique situation of our supply chains, which until January 1st were fully integrated UK models,” they wrote.
It was agreed that British-administered Northern Ireland remain in the EU’s single market and customs union despite Brexit to maintain an open border with EU member the Republic of Ireland. It has created a de facto customs border between Britain and Northern Ireland.
The supermarket also called for an extension into the grace period which currently allows for “simplified controls” on sending food to Northern Ireland from Wales, Scotland and England, which is due to end on March 31.
