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Northern Ireland
01 February 2024
Lead MP
Lindsay Hoyle
Chorley
Speaker
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Northern IrelandBrexitBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Lindsay Hoyle raised concerns about northern ireland in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Response
Responded to points raised by Members, emphasised protection of both European single market and internal UK market. Disagreed with the notion that tariffs between GB and Northern Ireland would be acceptable.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
The Speaker of the House, Lindsay Hoyle, introduced the draft Windsor Framework (Constitutional Status of Northern Ireland) Regulations and the draft Windsor Framework (UK Internal Market and Unfettered Access) Regulations for debate. He proposed that both motions be debated together if the House gives leave.
Honourable members objected to debating the two motions together, indicating a desire to discuss them separately.
Somerton and Frome
The draft regulations address Unionist concerns, aiming to safeguard and strengthen Northern Ireland's place in the Union. The Government seeks broad support for participating in political processes by addressing diminished status fears among communities.
Emphasises distinguishing between constitutional placement of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom and its access to the single market, highlighting the importance of these nuances in understanding the draft regulations' impact.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Highlights the significance of democratic scrutiny and accountability mechanisms established through this legislation. Also raises concerns regarding potential overruling or acceptance of EU laws by UK Government, seeking clarity on decision-making authority.
Suggests reviewing existing European laws implemented in Northern Ireland to identify areas for simplification and removal, proposing a mechanism for removing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Welcomed the measures proposed by the Secretary of State and expressed support for finding a common-sense solution to balance free trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain while ensuring goods entering the Republic meet single market rules. Highlighted historical context, noting that under the Government of Ireland Act 1920 there were strict customs inspections at rates of up to 28%. Emphasised the need for further regulations based on commitments outlined in a Command Paper published by the government and suggested Labour would negotiate a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU if they formed the next Government, which would remove checks on animals, food, and plants.
Indicated assent without providing further commentary or position statement.
Robert Buckland
Con
South Swindon
He acknowledges the importance of focusing on the statutory instrument that amends primary legislation through the powers of the 2018 Act. He emphasises the history and legal background to the Acts of Union, affirming the Court's ruling about the sovereignty of Parliament as fundamental UK constitutional law. Robert Buckland commends the efforts of Northern Ireland parties in finding a compromise and urges for guidance on the operation of the Stormont brake.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Intervenes to express dissatisfaction with previous assurances about Brexit's 'light touch' impact, criticising the handling that led Northern Ireland into a problematic situation regarding its single market access due to EU protocols.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Ochil and South Perthshire
While disagreeing with Brexit and acknowledging issues it has caused in Scotland, Richard Thomson broadly welcomes the clarity about Northern Ireland’s constitutional status. He appreciates efforts to understand Unionists' concerns over feeling separated from the UK due to aspects of the protocol. Concerned about future regulatory divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, he seeks clarification on dispute resolution mechanisms.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Intervenes to highlight the unique geographical challenge Scotland does not face—namely, a 300-mile unclosable land border with Ireland, which complicates virtual accommodation for access to the EU market.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Mr. Cash emphasises that parliamentary sovereignty prevails but acknowledges concerns about maintaining EU law in Northern Ireland. He suggests a referendum might decide the issue, respects DUP efforts, and expresses concern over the limitations imposed by section 8C of the 2018 Act.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Mr. Robinson responds to Mr. Cash's concerns about Northern Ireland’s constitutional future, referring to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and citing Gerry Adams' prediction of a united Ireland by 2016 as outdated, supporting the government's declaration that there is no realistic prospect for a border poll leading to a united Ireland.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expresses concern over distrust among Unionists towards the process and urges for clear assurance from the Government regarding sovereignty protection.
Welcomes progress on veterinary medicines and cattle movement but emphasises the need to secure further legislation to protect food security and farming industry in Northern Ireland.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Acknowledges efforts made by Jeffrey M. Donaldson but expresses opposition to the Command Paper, arguing it undermines north-south cooperation set out in the Good Friday Agreement and calls for future negotiations involving all parties.
Compliments the spirit of good will that led to progress and argues that parliamentary scrutiny is more important than public opinion polls in affirming Northern Ireland's place within the UK.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Questions whether proposed new section 13C of the Windsor Framework Regulations reserves a right for laws that could interfere with trade in Northern Ireland, expressing concern about future impacts on economic freedom.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Pays tribute to nationalist parties, the Labour party for supporting the Government. Emphasises that the SI is about people, public sector pay, health, charities, schools, agriculture, and economic growth in Northern Ireland.
Responds to questions from Members across the House. Thanks Hilary Benn for his approach and discusses protecting both the European single market and internal UK market with these measures. Explains significant adverse effect examples and disagrees with Ian Paisley on tariffs between GB and Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
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