← Back to House of Commons Debates
Northern Ireland
22 March 2023
Lead MP
Chris Heaton-Harris
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyNorthern IrelandBrexit
Other Contributors: 40
At a Glance
Chris Heaton-Harris raised concerns about northern ireland in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
Moves to approve the draft regulations, emphasising that it addresses democratic deficit and restores balance under the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. Expresses hope for an age of prosperity in Northern Ireland with support from the Windsor framework.
John Baron
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Expresses that the Windsor framework offers greater prosperity through inward investment and highlights its positive impact on the community.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Critiques the Windsor framework, arguing it does not receive Unionist support due to giving EU sovereignty over courts and power over Northern Ireland. Expresses frustration with how the deal was pushed through without scrutiny.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Supports the framework as it allows seed potato growers in his constituency access to both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets, potentially leading to further European market access.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Questions whether Jim Allister will be precluded from signing the petition due to the criteria for using the Stormont brake.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Commends the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for their work, highlighting that the framework is a return to statecraft.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Supports the Windsor agreement as it represents progress compared to the Northern Ireland protocol and is welcomed by most communities in Northern Ireland.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Requests confirmation from the Secretary of State that he will use his powers to retain existing EU law, as required by the agreement and warned by the European Union.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Questions whether the Stormont brake constitutes a veto or merely a route to arbitration when UK Ministers may not exercise it.
Arfon
Requests clarification on how goods travelling from Wales to Northern Ireland via Holyhead port will be handled under the agreement.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Asks why EU laws apply to businesses in Northern Ireland that are not trading with the EU and requests a list of these laws.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Suggests the UK Government should introduce a Senedd and Holyrood brake concerning the UK internal market in line with the Stormont brake principle.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Confirms that the Stormont brake gives total control to the Northern Ireland Assembly on new EU law or regulation, highlighting improvements in areas like seed potatoes, VAT, state aid, customs.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Questions whether every lorry departing from Cairnryan to Northern Ireland will require customs declaration papers for each product on the vehicle.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
Requests delivery of a list of EU laws that will remain as a consequence of this process, as promised previously.
Lichfield
Questions the requirement for goods manufactured in Northern Ireland to meet EU standards if they are destined for the rest of the UK under the green channel arrangement.
Andrea Leadsom
Con
South Northamptonshire
Supports the Windsor agreement, noting its potential to attract foreign direct investment and position Northern Ireland as an integral part of both the United Kingdom and EU markets.
Treats today’s vote as a recognition of the wider package and voting for it with the Government. Questions whether there will be sufficient resources for democratic scrutiny processes in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Asks if there would be a Stormont brake in case of no Stormont Assembly.
Urges those considering the proposals to note that for many years, it was considered impossible to have an application to stop EU law ratchet and keep Northern Ireland in the Union; now the Windsor framework offers a solution.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
Supports the deal overall, emphasising improvements such as the Stormont brake which gives MLAs a say in new laws affecting Northern Ireland. Acknowledges concerns about how the brake will work in practice but argues that only through experience can it be tested adequately. Also discusses economic potential of Northern Ireland and challenges posed by the protocol beyond market access.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Acknowledges the importance of bipartisan politics in relation to the peace process in Northern Ireland, stating that his party will support the deal alongside Labour and the Government.
Called for shorter contributions to accommodate more speakers.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Welcomed the Windsor framework, noting support from Labour party, Lib Dems, and SNP. Pledged support for the treaty renegotiation. Acknowledged Northern Ireland's role in negotiations, emphasising the Stormont brake as a victory. Highlighted polling data showing majority support in Northern Ireland for the agreement.
Risen to speak during the debate.
Encouraged adherence to concise contributions, following Julian Smith's example.
Acknowledged SNP support for the agreement, questioning its effectiveness as a brake mechanism. Praised constructive engagement by UK Government with EU partners, welcoming abandonment of protocol Bill. Raised concerns about access to European single market and infrastructure needs in Scotland. Criticised government's focus on Northern Ireland's economic benefits while neglecting other devolved nations.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Mr Cash argued that the Northern Ireland Protocol subjugates citizens of Northern Ireland to EU laws, which do not apply elsewhere in the UK. He emphasised the sovereignty of Westminster and criticised the practical sovereignty concept used by the Secretary of State. Mr Cash noted that over 640 EU laws have been passed for Northern Ireland since Brexit without parliamentary scrutiny, raising concerns about democracy and consent.
Chris Clarkson
Con
unknown
Mr Clarkson intervened to suggest that Mr Cash's views reflect a 'pathological denial of reality'. He noted the lived experience in Birmingham and Manchester is different from Northern Ireland and emphasised the need for practical recognition of difficulties.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Mr Eastwood intervened to question Mr Cash's inconsistency, pointing out that he had previously voted for a protocol without a Stormont brake. He challenged Mr Cash to explain his current opposition.
Vicky Ford
Con
unknown
Ms Ford highlighted the support for the Windsor framework among Northern Irish people and business community, stating that they believe it is better than expected. She urged focusing on more important issues moving forward.
Lagan Valley
The DUP seeks a solution that ensures businesses in Northern Ireland are not inhibited from trading within their own market due to excessive application of EU law, which they argue is disproportionate and harmful to the UK internal market integrity. They emphasise the need for Stormont to have more control over changes to EU laws affecting manufacturing but note current limitations. Concerns about potential retaliatory actions by the EU in case of a veto are also highlighted.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Intervention questioning if returning Stormont to power is the best way to exert influence for ongoing improvements and iterations regarding the Northern Ireland protocol and related regulations.
Questions whether the EU’s powers over VAT and state aid in Northern Ireland could extend a drag-through basis over the whole United Kingdom, suggesting the entire UK needs a veto right.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Requests to give way from Jeffrey M. Donaldson during the debate but does not provide a full contribution.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Supports the Prime Minister's and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's efforts in negotiating a deal that ensures peace and stability in Northern Ireland. Acknowledges the sacrifices made by predecessors and recognises the significant progress made with the Windsor framework, despite its imperfections.
Compliments Karen Bradley on her support for the Windsor framework, highlighting that it resolves issues without breaching international law obligations.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Acknowledges the significant progress made in the Windsor framework and commends the negotiators and DUP for achieving a sensible solution. Highlights that existing EU law has not hindered Northern Ireland's trade with the rest of the UK, and businesses will likely continue to follow EU standards.
Geoffrey Cox
Con
Torridge and Tavistock
Acknowledges the progress made by the Prime Minister but notes that it is not the final solution. Commends the agreement as a significant achievement for Northern Ireland, despite its limitations.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
The Stormont brake allows EU to impose law on Northern Ireland, creating border checks and undermining democracy by limiting petition of concern effectiveness. It is a 'Stormont fake' that fails to protect the Union.
Supports the deal as it works for people in Northern Ireland despite being against DUP's stance, advocating for moving forward rather than making the perfect the enemy of the good.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.