The impact of Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol on NI’s supply chain were top of the agenda when Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, Seamus Leheny, met with the President of the United States, Joe Biden, at the White House St Patrick’s Day Reception.
As part of a week-long visit to the US capital, the meeting gave Seamus the opportunity to outline Logistics UK’s work to support the country’s supply chain and pinpoint areas of concern.
“It was a huge honour to be invited to the White House to represent the work of Logistics UK, and to have the chance to outline the extensive work Logistics UK has been doing over Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol with President Biden,” says Seamys.
I also thanked the President and his administration for their work with the EU and UK in reaching an agreed solution to the NI Protocol that will protect NI trade. He was keen to discuss the need for solutions that work for Northern Ireland and its economy and encouraged our members to maintain their focus on protecting the supply chain.”
Other senior politicians from America, Northern Ireland and Ireland were also in attendance at the reception, hosted by the President and the First Lady, to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and discuss US future trade with Ireland.
America Trucking Association
While in Washington, Seamus Leheny also participated in several senior meetings alongside members of the US State Department and Department of Commerce, the US Consul General to NI and the American Trucking Association (ATA).
Topics discussed included the Northern Ireland Protocol, as well as comparisons between the challenges both nations are facing in logistics, in which ideas and strategies for solutions were shared.
He was also a guest at the Ireland Fund’s 30th Gala Dinner – one of the most prestigious gatherings of Irish America over St Patrick’s Day – during which President Joe Biden addressed guests.
“It was great to be invited to America to participate and represent the interests of our members. The President was very warm and understood the issues we are facing, and we look forward to working with our American counterparts to build trading opportunities in the future.”
