Alliance welcomes cross-party Assembly endorsement of EU Single Market

In a landmark vote, the Assembly has backed an Alliance amendment recognising the critical importance of the EU Single Market for Northern Ireland’s future competitiveness.

The vote on the amendment, which came during a DUP motion on exports, was also backed by the UUP, SDLP and Sinn Fein, but opposed by the DUP, TUV and Green Party.

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry said in the wake of the Brexit vote, local businesses and the wider economy were facing uncertain times.

“There are a range of models in terms of how the UK as a whole or just Northern Ireland could interact with the European Union. Continued participation in the Single Market or alternatively access to it, are the most effective means of maximising our exports.

“Contrary to the claims of Leave advocates, we are more likely to open up trade with other parts of the world through EU-based free trade deals as opposed to going it alone. At a time of talk of a hard Brexit, this cross-party support gives Northern Ireland a platform to advocate an outcome that best reflects the views of local people and the needs of local business.

There are a number of different political routes and negotiated outcomes that can give effect to this wish of the Assembly and attention now turns to them.”

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