NI Chamber responds to defeat of Brexit Withdrawal Agreement

The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry has responded to last night's defeat of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement vote in the House of Commons, calling for an examination of all options to avoid a "no deal" secnario.

Last night saw the historic defeat of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons, which failed to pass by 230 votes in the worst defeat of a political motion tabled by government since 1924. The vote was immediately followed by the tabling of a vote of no confidence in the government, the result of which could have significant repercussions for the outcome of Brexit and os for businesses across the UK.

NI Chamber's Chief Executive Ann McGregor spoke out in response to the vote on behalf of Northern Ireland's business interests, saying "The business communities that we represent have always had a diverse range of views on what form the UK’s future relationship with the EU should take, however they do agree on the need to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit."

McGregor underscored the need for "an agreement that will secure the transition period and protect jobs" and suggested that "it is crucial that those at Westminster move beyond tactical manoeuvring and look at all the options in order to avoid a No Deal scenario. Firms are in the dark on too many aspects of life after 29 March."