Northern Ireland Protocol Dispute Resolution 2022-01-25
2022-01-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The issue of the dispute resolution mechanism within the Northern Ireland Protocol, which requires regulatory alignment with EU rules.
Whether she has plans to change the dispute resolution mechanism in the Northern Ireland protocol. Article 5 requires Northern Ireland to maintain regulatory alignment with EU rules governing manufactured and agricultural goods; there are about 287 in all. Do the Government agree that this alignment should continue, and if so, what type of dispute resolution mechanism does she think would be appropriate?
Our view is that the type of arbitration mechanism we need is the type in any standard trade agreement, which is an independent arbitration mechanism.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent data shows that the Northern Ireland economy is recovering faster than any other part of the UK, but concerns remain about the impact of Brexit.
While there are clearly some specific issues to be resolved, does she not recognise that demands to exclude the ECJ are confrontational and suggestions that article 16 removes the protocol in its entirety are misleading and are creating unrealistic expectations within Northern Ireland?
I am taking a constructive approach to these negotiations. I was in Brussels yesterday meeting Maroš Šefčovič, and I do believe there is a deal to be done that helps protect peace and political stability in Northern Ireland and enables the free flow of goods between GB and Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided addressing whether excluding ECJ or article 16 claims are confrontational or misleading.
Constructive Approach
Negotiations
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Two years after Brexit, concerns remain about unresolved disputes and the need for resolution.
I welcome the Foreign Secretary's constructive approach to the negotiations, but two years on from Brexit, can she confirm that disputes cannot go unresolved forever and that this situation has to be brought to an end sooner rather than later?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend on the urgency of this situation, which is why we have been holding intensive talks with the EU to resolve the very real issues there are for traders in GB and Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or resolution date.
Urgency
Intensive Talks
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Public confidence that the Government will take decisive action on the situation has evaporated.
Is the Secretary of State aware that confidence in Northern Ireland that the Government will take decisive action on this and do it quickly has evaporated? We need to see that action taken immediately.
I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am working very hard with my EU counterparts to resolve the difficult situation in Northern Ireland. We do need to sort this out as soon as possible, and that is why we are in intensive negotiations. I believe that there is a deal to be done.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when decisive action will be taken or provide concrete plans.
Working Hard
Intensive Negotiations
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about biosecurity issues crossing international borders.
We have learned that viruses and many infectious agents do not stick to international or, indeed, domestic borders. That is all too true in the human setting, but also in the veterinary setting. With that in mind, what discussions has my right hon. Friend had with the EU about the possibility of a veterinary or sanitary and phytosanitary agreement?
My hon. Friend makes a good point about biosecurity. Of course, that is a key priority for us and the European Union. We are exploring all options that maintain the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the UK. I completely recognise what my hon. Friend says: those issues cross borders, so of course we need to work with our EU partners to sort them out.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify discussions on veterinary or sanitary agreements.
Biosecurity
Exploring All Options
Response accuracy