Sea Border now obstructing Ferguson tractor restoration
The Sea Border introduced between Northern Ireland and GB after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal with the EU has caused a long list of problems. To this ever increasing damaging list of issues can be added the obstructing of the restoration of a vintage tractor.
Not just any vintage tractor, but a very special 1946 little grey Ferguson TE20 one of just 315 assembled during the first year of production. Designed in Northern Ireland by Harry Ferguson and his engineers during 1945 as the Tractor for Europe and almost built here 80 years ago before in the end production being lost to Northern Ireland due to the UK government’s unwillingness to provide £3 million Pounds to equip a factory in Belfast. Production would eventually be England and commenced in July, 1946.
Purchased on the 5th November, 2024 the barn find Ferguson TE20 was unused for over 40 years and my goal is to have the tractor restored for its 80th birthday celebrations in 2026. After months searching for difficult to source parts, to my joy I managed to locate a key part in England. Joy quickly turned to dismay after being told they won’t send them to Northern Ireland due to the Sea Border and the extra paperwork.
Just think about it, the EU’s internal market is so fragile that a £10 Pound part to ensure the tractor is restored for its 80th anniversary might not be possible as it risks bringing the EU single market crashing down. A part that was manufactured in the United Kingdom almost 80 years ago, and quite possibly in Belfast were some of the parts for the early tractors were actually made. But now for the first time in our nation’s history since the Acts of Union in 1801 which established free trade across our country, goods require a customs declaration for movement within the UK, due to the NI Protocol and its Windsor Framework.
What an absurd situation and affront to my civil rights to buy a part from within my own country. How the UK or any country for that matter by surrendering control and sovereignty could have allowed or continue to allow this to happen is beyond reason and comprehension.
Stevan Patterson, Castlederg Co. Tyrone.