Ireland is facing into either a “bad or very bad” trade future with the UK from January 1, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is warning. Mr Coveney has said at least €1bn will be needed in next month’s budget to prepare the country’s businesses to cope with the impact of Brexit. With Brexit trade talks about to reach a critical phase this week, the Government, led by Mr Coveney, is warning that whether a trade deal is signed or not, the impact on trade and commerce will be significant. Mr Coveney warned online shopping could be significantly impacted with extra excise duties and a loss of consumer rights likely. Meanwhile, a senior DUP MP has insisted his party will not accept the Brexit withdrawal deal, in comments apparently at odds with his leader's stance.

Source: Irish Examiner September 06, 2020 15:00 UTC