UK Trade Secretary George Hollingbury has confirmed that UK temporary import tariffs “will not apply” to goods crossing Ireland from Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Agri-Food Alliance, representing primary and secondary food and beverage producers in Northern Ireland, immediately warned that Brexit “no deal” at temporary tariffs would be “destructive” for the region. Such a decision, industry officials say, will inflict a mortal blow on indigenous food production in the UK and, in particular, in Northern Ireland. The European Union will be granted unhindered access to Northern Ireland and, consequently, to the UK, while manufacturers from Northern Ireland will not be able to freely export to the EU.

The Alliance said that “Brexit without a deal” under such conditions would be devastating. This will overwhelm the farm base, destroy family businesses within a few weeks and provoke a reduction in investment, which will lead to the closure of enterprises and the loss of jobs.

In addition, a deadlock will arise on the roads and ports of Northern Ireland. The reason for this will be an increase in the volume of goods coming from the Republic of Ireland in transit to the UK.