“This morning, a lorry carrying perishable food destined for Northern Ireland was shamefully turned away at Belfast Port and sent back to Stranraer — all because of a missing label stating ‘Not for EU Use’.
“This is a direct consequence of the Irish Sea Border, and the impact is becoming more serious by the day. The products on this lorry had a three-day shelf life. By the time they are returned, relabelled, and re-sent, they will have just two days left — and that’s if everything goes perfectly. On a previous occasion, a similar load arrived with only one day of shelf life remaining, and the shop refused to accept it altogether.
“The result? Shops across Northern Ireland are now not getting their orders. Shelves are sitting empty. Local businesses are losing stock and revenue, and consumers are paying the price with reduced choice and higher costs.
“This is a completely unacceptable situation. Northern Ireland was promised unfettered access to goods from the rest of our own country. Instead, we are being subjected to petty bureaucracy, harmful delays, and unnecessary waste — all because of a border in the Irish Sea that should never have been there in the first place.
“I will be urgently raising this with DEFRA and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. This is not just about labels — it’s about livelihoods, supply chains, and Northern Ireland’s rightful place within the United Kingdom.
“The Government must act now to remove the Irish Sea Border and restore fairness, equality, and common sense.”
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
