ICOS: Brexit proposals do not go far enough

The British Government’s proposals for future customs arrangements and the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland following Brexit do not go far enough to ensure free trade, according to the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).

ICOS represents over 130 co-operatives in Ireland — including dairy processors and livestock marts. These associated businesses have a combined turnover of some €15bn with around 150,000 individual members. They employ 12,000 people in Ireland and another 24,000 people overseas.

ICOS European affairs executive Alison Graham said the British proposals are heading in the right direction, but they do not address the concerns of EU member states and businesses and would drastically complicate customs arrangements for EU-UK trade.