Five key messages as Brexit negotiations go live
As the UK triggers Article 50 to begin Brexit negotiations, we still have no Northern Ireland government to represent our interests, and no clear position put forward in these negotiations.
NICVA has been listening to the concerns of the NI voluntary and community sector and has five key messages for the negotiating parties;
Don’t let Brexit erode our peace and stability
The European Union’s direct support through successive PEACE programmes, and the all-island legal framework that shared EU membership provides on the island of Ireland have played a vital role in developing peace and stability. Losing this framework and creating the necessity for a physical and economic border, poses a direct threat to the progress made in recent decades. A Brexit deal must avoid this at all costs.
Don’t let Brexit damage our economy
The current EU funding round (2014-20) is providing over €3.5 Billion to Northern Ireland, including €2.3 Billion in farming subsidies, and over €900 million for peace-building, cross-border co-operation, rural development and supported employment important for voluntary and community sector organisations. Over 60% of our exports go to EU countries, and over a third to (34%) to ROI. Sectors important to us like agri-food (34% of NI exports) are less so for the UK economy as a whole (10% of UK exports) raising concerns that UK trade deals will not favour our circumstances.
A Brexit deal which does not recognise our circumstances, could place major economic pressures on our already overstretched public budgets and undermine our economy for which free all-island trade and movement of workers is so vital.
Don’t let Brexit take away our rights
Many voluntary and community organisations working to tackle inequalities and discrimination in our society fear losing protections afforded by EU legislation, such as the 2000 EU directive on equal treatment in employment and occupation which bans disability discrimination in employment. It is vital that the Brexit deal nor subsequent changes in national legislation results in an erosion of these rights.
Don’t let Brexit harm our health
A bad Brexit deal threatens vital EU co-operation in medical research by charities and the future of all-island/cross-border health delivery and investment, as well as the major contribution of EU nationals in service delivery. We urge those negotiating the terms of Brexit to secure a deal that retains our access to EU funding for medical and other research (as negotiated by non-EU countries like Norway) and does not undermine efforts to meet already major challenges in providing health services in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland
Don’t let Brexit endanger our environment
Much of the legislation that protects our environment, including our air quality, levels of pollution, disposal of waste, and the protection of our unique and precious natural environment comes from EU legislation. For the sake of this and future generations, the Brexit deal must ensure that this protection is not lost.
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NICVA Brexit Articles Timeline
Brexit and the impact on data transfer
19 Mar 2021Brexit and Your Rights webinar
10 Dec 2020Sustainable Development Goals Forum
26 Feb 2020NICVA's New Year's Round Up
6 Jan 2020A Common Purpose for Our Environment
19 Dec 2019Advice for Brexit Preparation
4 Oct 2019Brexit Updates and #NoToNoDeal
6 Sep 2019This is no time to suspend Parliament
28 Aug 2019Brexit, Boris and the Backstop: June Update
25 Jun 2019EU Settlement Scheme Explainer
13 Nov 2018What does a no-deal Brexit mean?
30 Aug 2018Department of Health Brexit update, July 2018
11 Jul 2018Dominic Raab appointed Brexit Secretary
9 Jul 2018June Brexit Update
27 Jun 2018May 2018 Brexit Update
15 May 2018The Latest on Brexit
15 Mar 2018Anniversary of Article 50 #5BrexitQs
6 Mar 2018Update on the EU Withdrawal Bill
19 Feb 2018UK-EU Brexit Deal…. What are the details?
11 Dec 2017Brexit case studies - can you help?
6 Oct 2017NICVA Position Paper on Brexit
24 Jul 2017Brexit Engagement: Justice
5 Jun 2017Five key messages as Brexit negotiations go live
29 Mar 2017Brexit – How will it affect you?
22 Feb 2017Brexit White Paper. Too Long; Didn't Read
3 Feb 2017Theresa May Brexit Speech – What did we learn?
18 Jan 2017First Brexit Roundtable with Secretary of State
16 Dec 2016Impact of Brexit and Rights on NI
14 Oct 2016Assembly Oral Questions on Brexit
10 Oct 2016NICVA meet with Minister for Exiting the EU
7 Oct 2016NICVA Update on EU Referendum.
1 Jul 2016Why is NICVA supporting In?
25 May 2016NICVA support remain position in EU Referendum
25 May 2016EU Referendum and the VCSE sector
18 Apr 2016
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