ADS supports practical solutions for Irish border
The UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, ADS, said today that industry will welcome Government plans to make sure goods and people can freely cross the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Responding to publication of a UK Government position paper setting out proposals for a 'soft' land border, ADS said it was important to industry on both sides of the border to maintain current arrangements.
The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors in Northern Ireland contribute an annual £1.3 billion to the economy and employ 10,000 people.
ADS, which represents these four sectors in the UK, wants to see border arrangements that allow businesses to trade and operate as freely as they can today – without burdensome customs requirements that could raise costs or introduce delays into cross-border trade.
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “Businesses in Northern Ireland depend upon goods and people being able to move freely across the border with the Irish Republic and this must continue after Brexit.
“We welcome the Government’s proposals to avoid any return to a hard border and to seek an agreement allowing frictionless trade.
“This is an important issue to resolve during the Brexit negotiations and we hope that all sides will work to find practical solutions.”