Logistics UK's 'cautious optimism' regarding NI Protocol

Tuesday 28 February 2023

Following a meeting with Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, this morning (28 February 2022), Logistics UK has announced its cautious optimism regarding the opportunity the Windsor Framework could provide to ease the passage of goods between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI). Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK comments:

“While our review of the details continues, Logistics UK is pleased to note several of our proposals and pragmatic solutions – such as Green and Red Lanes, trade facilitation measures and parcel derogations – have been included within the agreement framework. While we are still communicating with members on their feedback, the initial response from those that transport goods between NI and GB has been positive.

“Logistics UK, along with several NI businesses and associations, met with the Prime Minister this morning to discuss the agreement. It is encouraging to see government willing to have these important conversations with businesses in NI, and Logistics UK reinforced with Mr Sunak the need for similar communication among GB suppliers, to ensure trade opportunities running from GB to NI are maximised.

“The devil will now be in the detail, and Logistics UK looks forward to working with members to see how this operates on the ground. As these changes come into effect, there will undoubtedly be challenges that this framework could not have predicted, and Logistics UK is urging the UK government and EU to continue their constructive engagement with industry, with clear and empowered mechanisms through which businesses can flag any issues so that swift, effective solutions can be found.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.