The implications of Brexit were also raised by the delegation, which included Deputy Leader Stephen Farry and East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle. It follows the party’s further discussions on the Boeing situation with representatives of the US Government, the Secretary of State and the Civil Service.
“Our meeting was dominated by the situation with Boeing. Their charges and claims against Bombardier are without foundation, and in turn represent anti-competitive actions aimed at shutting Bombardier out of the lucrative US aviation market,” said Dr Farry.
“We also reviewed recent job announcements and sought assurances of support and signposting for those individuals affected. In addition, we discussed the implications of Brexit on the operations of a company such as Bombardier, and the importance of avoiding a customs frontier and the loss of access to European research funding.”
“Bombardier is a major employer in Belfast and Northern Ireland as whole in its own right, and is serviced by a wide supply chain,” added Mr Lyttle.
“It is really important we take this challenge seriously, and political parties and governments push strongly to defend Bombardier and to ensure fair competition globally.
“Alliance has already spoken to a range of stakeholders in relation to this process and will continue to do so over the coming days.”