![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/corbyn.png\")
Resolving uncertainty over post-Brexit trading arrangements is a more important priority for Northern Ireland than the debate on Irish unity, Jeremy Corbyn has said.<\/p>\nResolving uncertainty over post-Brexit trading arrangements is a more important priority for Northern Ireland than the debate on Irish unity, Jeremy Corbyn has said.<\/p>\n
The outgoing UK Labour Party leader said it was \u201cdifficult to know\u201d whether Brexit had brought unification any closer.<\/p>\n
Mr Corbyn met with all the main Stormont parties today to discuss the UK\u2019s exit from the EU and the recent restoration of power-sharing.<\/p>\n
He called on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to provide clarity on what Northern Ireland businesses can expect of the future trading relationship, both with Europe and Great Britain.<\/p>\n
Mr Corbyn also demanded more public investment in the region.<\/p>\n
He branded health inequalities \u201cappalling and disgraceful\u201d and called for a resolution to public sector pay disputes.<\/p>\n
Asked if Brexit had brought a united Ireland any closer, Mr Corbyn said: \u201cVery difficult to know on that issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cClearly the issue that is important at the moment is one of dealing with the immediacy of funding and trading arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n
He highlighted that many major companies in the region relied on European trade.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey need to know they have a future and I think that\u2019s a more important priority than anything else,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He said Brexit day would bring concern for many.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a day when many people will no doubt be concerned because it is unclear in the longer term what the process will be for sending goods from Northern Ireland to Britain,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Prime Minister promised in terms that there would be no border down the Irish sea and then, as we revealed during the general election debate, that it is quite clear there is going to be some kind of tariff arrangement which is being prepared for \u2013 now the Prime Minister must clarify this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Corbyn met with representatives of the unions Unison and Unite last night for an update on their campaigns for pay increases for public sector workers in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
He said there was a need for major public investment in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe levels of health inequality in Northern Ireland are appalling and disgraceful,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mental health crisis in Northern Ireland is as bad or worse than anywhere else within the UK.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou aren\u2019t going to solve those problems just with warm words \u2013 that requires public investment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Corbyn , who signed a book of condolence for the late former deputy first minister Seamus Mallon, denied his visit represented a stop on a UK \u201clap of honor\u201d before standing down.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t do laps of honor,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I am doing in the period before April when another leader will take over the party is listening to people all over the UK about the election result but also laying the basis for foundations in the party for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n