DUP to use Stormont's break for the first time in attempt to stop new EU rules

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is intending to use the ‘Stormont Brake’ mechanism for the first time in an attempt to stop new EU rules on packaging and labelling of chemicals from applying to NI.

The brake, which was introduced as part of Northern Ireland's Brexit deal and gives the Stormont assembly the power to object to changes to EU rules that apply in Northern Ireland.

The decision comes after industry representatives warned that an updated EU law affecting the labelling of chemicals would create additional trade friction for the flow of products between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

To pass the brake, 30 assembly members from at least two parties are needed to support it.

Currently the DUP have 27 signatures.

If the number of votes required is met, the UK government will decide if it has been used appropriately.

As part of the judgement, it must prove to have "a significant impact specific to every day life of communities in Northern Ireland" to be approved.

Party Leader Rt Hon Gavin Robinson MP said: ‘‘The DUP is focused on fully restoring Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom and its internal market.

"We have made no secret of the fact that we will use the Stormont Brake to full effect in the pursuit of our overall objectives.

"This EU regulation introduces a host of new requirements for labels attached to chemical products, including new minimum font sizes and rules around spacing.

"This would make current labels unusable for the majority of products. Critically, these changes would not be required for products on the market in Great Britain.

"With trade flows in chemicals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland worth in the region of £1bn annually, the impact of this divergence would be significant.

"The Chemical Industries Association (CIA), which represents chemical and pharmaceutical companies across the United Kingdom, has assessed that the Regulation would have a significant, negative and prolonged impact on everyday life in Northern Ireland."

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