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United Kingdom Internal Market
01 February 2024
Lead MP
Steven Baker
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Migrants & BordersEconomyTaxationNorthern IrelandBrexit
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Steven Baker raised concerns about united kingdom internal market 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Government view the Union not just as a matter of law or constitution but as an economic, cultural and political union. The Windsor framework enhances this by ensuring the smooth flow of trade within the UK and restoring Northern Ireland's benefits from VAT and alcohol taxes equal to those in the rest of the UK. Business reactions have been positive with 14 key Northern Ireland industry bodies welcoming the agreement.
Lagan Valley
Welcomes the new arrangements that allow a Northern Ireland haulier to travel from Dublin to Holyhead without customs procedures, while highlighting the stark contrast with Southern Irish hauliers who must undergo full UK customs checks.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Points out that statistics show only 0.1% to 0.4% of trade through Northern Ireland goes to the Irish Republic, challenging the assertion that a significant portion of goods will go through the red lane.
Paul Girvan
DUP
South Antrim
Raises concerns about businesses in Northern Ireland being subject to checks even though 98% of their sales are within the UK, urging for a solution to ameliorate such issues.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expresses concern over rising costs for farmers due to stricter vet sourcing requirements and seeks clarity on whether these concerns will be addressed by the Government through firm action or further working groups.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Questions the Minister's support for rigorous impartiality as per the Good Friday agreement, challenging the notion that supporting the Union detracts from Northern Ireland’s access to the single market.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Agrees with the Minister's statement regarding businesses in Northern Ireland. Questions specific points about regulations, particularly regarding checks on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and the UK Internal Market Act 2020 amendments. Welcomes proposed new section 45A but seeks clarification on guidance provision. Addresses concerns over definition of qualifying Northern Ireland goods and Border Control Post at Cairnryan. Discusses upcoming body InterTrade UK and its operational timeline. Supports Government's determination to ensure supply of veterinary medicines beyond 2025 grace period. Highlights the importance of these regulations for restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland.
Acknowledges the long process of implementing Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland, paying tribute to efforts by Secretary of State, Minister and DUP towards resolving issues with the Windsor framework. Welcomes clarity and safeguards on Stormont brake but emphasises need for dialogue with EU to address concerns about single market rules without a vote in Northern Ireland. Emphasises importance of regulatory divergence between Britain and the EU and its impact on economic success. Concludes by praising Northern Ireland’s leaders for their efforts to maintain devolved government despite challenges.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Inverness N
Welcomes the fact that the Northern Ireland situation has been largely addressed by the regulations, advocating for fewer impediments to trade between all parts of the UK and between the UK and the EU. Emphasises the hope that England, Wales, and Scotland will rediscover an advantageous situation similar to Northern Ireland's in terms of market access. Also mentions the right to democratic self-determination.
Robin Millar
Con
Erewash
Highlights the four tests for impact developed by Justice Colton and questions their representation as set out in paragraph 14 of annex A to the Command Paper. Discusses how the Windsor framework has removed EU standards for GB-produced consumer goods destined for Northern Ireland, with no change under the SI before them. Mentions concerns over bureaucracy and compliance costs associated with customs, noting a diversion of £1.2 billion-worth of goods in supply chains from GB to the Republic. Emphasises that 75% of output in non-exempted manufacturing sectors will see their GB supply chains stuck in the red lane or diverted abroad. Notes that Northern Ireland continues to have preferential access to the EU single market but at the cost of complicating access to GB ones.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
I am proud to support the SI that addresses constitutional harm, removes democratic deficit, and reduces trade friction. The deal published in yesterday’s Command Paper allows products from around the world to enter Northern Ireland, benefiting consumers with 14 million items moving into the UK internal market system. The agreement also secures mutual recognition of goods and prohibits export procedures for goods moving between GB and NI.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
It is important to highlight that if people in England, Wales or Scotland found themselves having to stand for election to stop laws being imposed on them by a foreign Parliament in 300 areas, it would be seen as outrageous and unacceptable.
Paul Girvan
DUP
The Northern Ireland protocol has caused damage and diverted trade between NI and the Republic of Ireland. Many suppliers found it easier to get products from ROI due to bureaucracy encountered with UK suppliers. We need to work with UK suppliers to bring back this trade.
Stephen Farry
SDLP
While I appreciate concerns about the phrase 'all-Ireland economy,' it is important to recognise that many companies based in Northern Ireland operate on an all-Ireland basis. For example, Coca-Cola based in Lisburn serves the entire island of Ireland.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Pays tribute to the DUP for their negotiation efforts in returning protections dropped from the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill. Emphasises the importance of economic improvement and trade opportunities for Northern Ireland, highlighting the work done by business groups and the Secretary of State's team. Mentions the Command Paper’s emphasis on corporation tax working groups and Intertrade UK to boost competitiveness and economic growth.
Intervenes to thank Julian Smith for his work in moving things forward. Acknowledges the tenacity of himself and his colleagues in persisting despite setbacks, which led to key clauses protecting unfettered access to the UK Internal Market being reinstated. Welcomes the special investment zone proposal for Northern Ireland and highlights the Secretary of State's interest in strengthening port links with Scotland.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr. Shannon thanked those in the DUP and others who have contributed to securing a deal, noting that while it is not perfect, it represents significant progress. He discussed his efforts to explain the situation to constituents, including meetings with various groups like Orange brethren, teachers, NHS workers, and community members. He expressed concerns about trust issues stemming from historical treatment of Unionists by ruling Governments in Westminster, urging for clear assurances regarding Northern Ireland's place within the internal market. Mr. Shannon highlighted specific examples of progress made due to recent actions, such as reduced paperwork for businesses and improved access to pet foods. He emphasised that his constituents want their representatives back at Stormont but not at any price, stressing the importance of full UK membership with parity in benefits and security.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
In an intervention, Mrs. Lockhart echoed Mr. Shannon's point about trust issues, citing examples such as abortion laws and changes to relationship and sexuality education that have negatively impacted Northern Ireland.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Wilson focuses on the need for a thorough examination of the SI, expressing concern about retained EU regulations allowing the EU final say in certain matters and the potential impact on trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain due to proposed legislation under the Windsor Framework.
While Chris Heaton-Harris did not speak extensively, his dissent indicates disagreement with Sammy Wilson's concerns or views.
Baker responds to several points raised in the debate, addressing issues such as checks on goods, definition of qualifying Northern Ireland goods, guidance on section 46, border control at Cairnryan, and flexibilities for veterinary medicines. He reassures that there is no commitment to align Great Britain with EU law or prevent divergence.
Government Response
Baker responds comprehensively to concerns raised during the debate, addressing issues such as checks on goods, definition of qualifying Northern Ireland goods, guidance on section 46, border control at Cairnryan, and flexibilities for veterinary medicines. He emphasises that divergence is possible but safeguards are in place.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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