NI Protocol Bill Discussions with the EU 2022-06-22
2022-06-22
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill has been introduced by the UK Government. The MP is questioning recent discussions with the EU regarding this bill.
What recent discussions the Government has had with the EU on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill?
Our preference remains to resolve the problems with the protocol through talks. Our door remains open to discussions, but the EU has so far not been willing to make meaningful changes to the protocol, which are necessary to deliver the solutions needed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on recent discussions and their outcomes were avoided
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The Government has introduced the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, leading to concerns about its impact on international relations and trust.
How do the Government plan to be seen as a good faith partner in international negotiations ever again?
Last year, we published a Command Paper that set out solutions, with which the EU has never properly engaged. We have continually been in engagements and negotiations with the EU. It is right that we table this legislation at this point as well to resolve the issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans on restoring trust were not provided
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Q3
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Belfast Harbour reported significant increases in trade and profits, raising concerns about the impact of unilaterally changing the Northern Ireland protocol.
Why would their Government jeopardise 25.6 million tonnes of cargo by unilaterally changing the Northern Ireland protocol?
The hon. Gentleman should read the full article, because then he would realise that, between the easements, the standstill and the grace periods, we are not actually fully implementing the protocol let alone the other business that Belfast harbour takes in that has nothing to do with the protocol.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on jeopardizing trade were avoided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Many issues related to trade and movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland involve plant and animal-related concerns.
What progress have the Government made in trying to secure an arrangement between the UK and the EU on veterinary and sanitary and phytosanitary matters?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. One frustration with this failure by the EU to see the flexibility that we need is that, by resolving some of these issues, we could have avoided the need for us to legislate and to take this period of time to resolve things.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific progress details were not provided
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Q5
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The question is related to the impact of any arrangement with the EU on the balance of the Good Friday agreement.
Can the Minister confirm that any arrangement we reach with the EU in relation to the protocol will take account of and address the issues that are disrupting the delicate balance of that agreement?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is important that we respect the balance in that agreement. It is important because it has given us peace for 24 years, and that is where our focus is.
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Specific commitments regarding maintaining balance were not made
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Q6
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The Government's decision to limit parliamentary time for scrutinizing the Northern Ireland Protocol has been questioned.
Does the Secretary of State regret the decision taken by the Government to curtail the amount of parliamentary time available to Members to scrutinise that before Brexit was done?
I think the hon. Gentleman is arguing to go back in time and take even longer to get Brexit done. I am not sure the British public or anybody would thank him for that, but of course the business of the House is generally agreed through the usual channels; that is always the case.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific regret was avoided and parliamentary processes were discussed instead
Response accuracy