Arlene Foster named as chair of UK trade organisation

Intertrade UK is a key group that was a part of the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, which played a highly significant role in restoring the Stormont government earlier this year.

Baroness Foster’s background as an ex-head of the DUP and a former enterprise minister will be crucial to her new role.

Intertrade UK aims to offer guidance and support to businesses, helping them expand within the UK internal market and improve service to consumers nationwide.

Additionally, it will conduct research and publish reports to enhance domestic trade and showcase the full potential of the UK market to businesses and traders making it quite pivotal for Northern Ireland’s future economic growth.

Baroness Foster said: “I want to thank the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for confirming my new role as chair of Intertrade UK. I am very much looking forward to taking up the role to promote trade within the UK internal market - something I am passionate about."

Baroness Foster also stated how she looks forward to working “with the members of the Independent Monitoring Panel in providing advice and facilitation to help businesses expand their activities across the UK and to strengthen these important economic links".

Hillary Benn, the Secretary of State of Northern Ireland has also named Anna Jerzewska, Alastair Hamilton, and Aidan Reilly members of the newly established Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel.

The panel will be responsible for scrutinising and overseeing the implementation of the Windsor Framework. This will ensure adequate accountability from the Government and other relevant authorities.

In his statement, Mr. Benn said: “This Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework and taking all steps necessary to protect the UK internal market. I look forward to working with Baroness Foster in her role as chair of Intertrade UK, as it begins its work facilitating and boosting trade across the UK.’’