The DUP MLA said,
“The first meeting of Intertrade UK represents an important step forward for Northern Ireland. Great Britain remains Northern Ireland’s most important market by value and volume. Its critical for our supply chains that consumers here have full access to their most important trading partner.
I welcome that its first meeting is taking place in Fermanagh, the most westerly part of the UK. This shows the intent behind the meeting that our economy, no matter where we live in the UK, will and should be respected.
I look forward to seeing the priorities and work programme identified by Intertrade UK for its initial focus over the next 18 months. Their work will be incredibly valuable in both promoting trade and identifying barriers. Whilst it is an important step forward, it needs to be matched by greater urgency from the UK Government in terms of resolving other long-term problems born out of the NI Protocol.
We will continue to build on progress and fight to fully restore Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, including removing the application of EU law in our country and the internal Irish Sea border it creates.”