Thread by @adampayne26

New: The potential impact of the Northern Ireland protocol is becoming clearer - and it’s alarming

- Major retailers, including a big supermarket, are considering leaving NI, I’m told
- New costs & price rises are set to hit poorest families the hardest businessinsider.com/brexit-border-…

Without sufficient mitigation, the protocol is gonna create additional costs for businesses which could render many NI operations financially unviable

The NI Retail Consortium’s @MichaelAodhan: “There are going to have to be some very hard decisions made” businessinsider.com/brexit-border-…

Meanwhile, Johnson’s UK Gov is being warned that price rises caused by increased costs will hit the poorest households in NI the hardest

“It really is a perfect storm for the most vulnerable in society,” the NI Consumer Council’s CEO John French told me businessinsider.com/brexit-border-…

Manufacturing NI’s Stephen Kelly said Gov engagement had worsened under Johnson

“The current approach is very much hold tight and don't tell anyone anything unless you really have to

"It isn't acceptable, it isn't strong enough, and it isn't appropriate”businessinsider.com/brexit-border-…

Shadow NI Sec @LouHaigh: "The Government needs to face up to their responsibility and start communicating very clearly what mitigation is going to be put in place to help NI businesses and consumers deal with checks they did not ask, or vote for” businessinsider.com/brexit-border-…

p.s amid the current climate, we are experimenting with our business model a little bit and this includes sticking the odd politics article behind a pay wall. If you are able spare a few quid - even if just £1 to read this story - that’d be really cool. Have a lovely weekend!