In the wake of last week's landmark outcome of the EU referendum, the UK has voted to leave the European bloc.

However, following what is a momentous and potentially life-changing decision for the people of the UK, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has urged the government to ensure the renegotiation of cross-border trade with the Republic of Ireland is not forgotten in this complex and important process.

Seamus Leheny, FTA policy & membership manager for Northern Ireland, said: "Northern Ireland has enjoyed arrangements with its neighbour for almost 100 years for free movement, commercial, legal and social matters.

"The UK is Ireland's largest mutual trading partner and this relationship must be maintained through the Brexit negotiations."

Ensuring both the UK and Ireland continue to benefit from mutual trade agreements even after the UK leaves the EU will play an important part in maintaining the long-term economic stability of both nations in the years to come.

Prime minister David Cameron stated on Friday that Article 50 will not be invoked by the UK – triggering the nation's departure from the EU – until his successor has been chosen, but work will take place in the interim to ensure new deals are being worked on.

However, Mr Leheny concluded that considering the potential sea change in trading relationships that is about to happen for the UK, ensuring Ireland remains a key trading partner must be a priority.