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Northern Ireland Protocol: UK Approach
20 May 2020
Lead MP
Michael Gove
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyBrexitBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Michael Gove raised concerns about northern ireland protocol: uk approach 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 Statement
The Government's approach to implementing the Northern Ireland protocol, as part of the withdrawal agreement with the European Union, aims to secure the progress made since the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and ensure that any changes in Northern Ireland’s constitutional position require consent from its people. The protocol is designed to be disapplied if Northern Ireland's political representatives conclude it is no longer desirable. To implement the protocol effectively, four steps will be taken: delivering unfettered access for NI producers to the whole of the UK market by eliminating export declarations as goods leave NI for GB; ensuring that there are no tariffs on goods within the UK customs territory with necessary electronic declarations and minimum processes for agrifood and live animal movements; guaranteeing lower tariffs through new free trade agreements with third countries for Northern Ireland businesses; and working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive, business community, and farming groups to minimise any negative impact. The Government acknowledges that while some checks may be required in agriculture and food sectors, there will not be new customs infrastructure or burdens on small businesses.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West
Question
Will there be physical checks on animal and agrifood products? How many checks are expected, and what will they cost businesses?
Minister reply
While some expansion of existing entry points for additional controls is acknowledged, the Government aims to minimise these by using latest technology. Specific details such as exact numbers and costs have not been finalised but will be provided through guidance before the transition period ends.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West
Question
Who will levy or administer tariffs on goods entering Northern Ireland at risk of entering Ireland? How are these 'clear and substantial risks' defined?
Minister reply
Tariffs may apply to goods with a clear and substantial risk of entering the EU single market. Details regarding who levies or administers these tariffs, definitions of risks, and any reimbursement procedures will be clarified through guidance produced before the transition period ends.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West
Question
Will import declarations and rules of origin checks apply to goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain? If so, how will these checks take place?
Minister reply
New administrative processes including electronic import declarations for safety and security information will be required. The specifics on implementation, including whether they include rules of origin or other types of checks, will be detailed in guidance provided before the end of the transition period.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Question
Questions about checks on animals and agrifood products, import declaration requirements, tariffs, costs of checks to businesses, free flow of goods without tariffs from Great Britain into Northern Ireland.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of ensuring high standards and security for agri-food products. Confirms that new checks will be proportionate and integrated with existing business processes like VAT returns. Assures there would be no additional costs to businesses as tariffs would only apply in case of no agreement on zero-tariff, zero-quota arrangement, which would be remitted.
Question
Will Northern Ireland be required to abide by EU regulations on certain goods until at least 2024?
Minister reply
Confirm that there will be EU regulations applicable in Northern Ireland till 2024, but the protocol can be voted down if viewed as onerous or unacceptable.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
Questions about customs checks between rest of UK and Northern Ireland, competitive disadvantage for Scotland, need for skill in negotiations.
Minister reply
Clarifies that there is no need for new customs infrastructure as proposed. Offers to join the Government negotiation team if interested.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
If digital paperwork is used, can the minister assure compatibility between HMRC and EU IT systems? He also mentioned consultation but there has been little engagement with businesses; he should engage more.
Minister reply
Efficient and compatible IT systems will be ensured. Engagement with Northern Ireland's small and medium-sized enterprises is critical.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Without an exit agreement, how will the Government prevent tariff-free entry of EU goods into Great Britain via Northern Ireland? Are there checks on goods moving from NI to GB?
Minister reply
Market surveillance will be in place; breaking the law leads to consequences.
Question
Could the minister reassure that negotiations can address 'Ireland's unique geographic situation' without constitutional and practical implications for Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
Using variable geometry, Northern Ireland’s position within the UK is constitutionally secure.
Question
Will the minister continue to work with NI businesses and community to ensure that these matters are taken forward?
Minister reply
Yes, we will ensure the protocol works in line with Northern Ireland’s interests.
Question
Will trials be set up for authorized economic operators to present practical solutions by autumn?
Minister reply
Building capacity of AEOs and trusted traders can make the protocol work better.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
Does the minister accept that divergences increase checks required in Irish sea, and softening Brexit is needed?
Minister reply
No, the interests of Northern Ireland’s businesses and people are at the heart of our approach.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Question
How will the minister reassure Unionist grassroots on their fears and nationalist and non-aligned voters?
Minister reply
We have to get cracking; positive engagement with businesses is needed.
Question
Does the need for clarity on implementation require an extension of the transition period?
Minister reply
No, we do not need an extension; good will from all sides is sufficient.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
What are the specific levels of checks envisaged compared to current UK import standards?
Minister reply
Checks will likely be fewer than currently required for goods coming from outside.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Will arrangements be totally in the control of the UK Government, not the EU?
Minister reply
UK Government is responsible; we oppose new EU mission in Belfast as unnecessary.
Question
Can rules for businesses in Northern Ireland be made available at an early stage?
Minister reply
Yes, the principle of KISS (keep it simple) will apply.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Question
Twice this year, I have come to Northern Ireland oral questions and asked both the Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the same question: will there be checks? Twice I was told no, but now the Minister today is saying, yes, there will be checks in some form. Will his colleagues come to the House to correct the record and also to detail their assessment of the financial impact such checks are likely to have on the Northern Ireland economy?
Minister reply
There will not be any customs infrastructure and there will not, save in the specific example of agrifoods and products of animal origin, be the requirement for physical checks. We will implement these principles with a light touch so that Northern Ireland’s businesses can focus on recovering from covid-19.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Question
The Prime Minister’s advice to Northern Ireland when he last visited was to throw any border forms “in the bin”. Does this remain the Government’s advice, and does this apply in a no-deal Brexit scenario?
Minister reply
The withdrawal agreement is a deal by definition. If we have an Australian-style trading relationship, the protocol will still apply. There will be no need for physical border forms as everything will be managed electronically.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
I welcome the insertion of “substantial” to the test of whether goods are at risk of further transit into the European Union. Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster indicate how realistic he thinks it is that the Commission will agree to that insertion, and will he give us a progress report on the pragmatic development of what is considered to be a good at risk of further transit?
Minister reply
The majority of Northern Ireland’s trade is with the UK, followed by the Republic of Ireland. The amount going through GB to Ireland is very small. We are taking a risk-based approach and advocating for recognition that the Belfast agreement relies on support from both nationalists and Unionists.
Question
Will my right hon. Friend assure me that the interests of Northern Ireland will always be as important as those of the rest of the United Kingdom?
Minister reply
Yes, the interests of Northern Ireland are as important to us as any other part of the UK. Margaret Thatcher once said that Northern Ireland was “as British as Finchley”. The Belfast agreement recognises the specific history and traditions of Northern Ireland, but it is clear that its people have consistently voted to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Shadow Comment
Rachel Reeves
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticises the Minister for acknowledging 'new administrative requirements' and additional checks on animal and agrifood products which contradicts previous assurances of unfettered access. The shadow questions specifics about proportionate physical checks, costs to businesses due to declarations, administration of tariffs on goods at risk of entering Ireland, and details regarding a trusted trader scheme essential for free trade. Despite welcoming the statement, the Labour Party highlights broken promises by the Prime Minister and expresses concern over limited time available for businesses to prepare.
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