Balance of Trade with Great Britain and the EU 2022-01-26
2022-01-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a discussion on trade balances between Northern Ireland and Great Britain/EU post-Brexit. The MP is concerned about the policy impacts.
What recent assessment has been made of the implications for policies regarding the balance of trade between Northern Ireland and (a) Great Britain, and (b) the EU?
We are committed to boosting trade in Northern Ireland with both the rest of the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. The Northern Ireland protocol has impacted businesses, creating barriers and causing disruption. It is our priority to address these issues and make the protocol work better for business.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not directly addressed with a concrete evaluation or assessment.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Since Brexit, exports from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland have dropped by over 20%, while Northern Irish exports to the Republic soared. The MP questions if the Secretary acknowledges these benefits.
Exports from GB to ROI have crashed by more than 20% since Brexit, costing £3 billion. Meanwhile, NI exports to ROI soared by 64% in 2021. Does the Secretary recognise the overwhelming benefits of being in a market seven times larger than UK?
We see businesses in NI stopping deliveries to customers, medicines having issues, consumers reduced choice on shelves, garden centres unable to get plants from GB. This is unsustainable and unfair to the people of Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not addressed; instead, challenges were highlighted.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland chamber of commerce survey showed that 70% of businesses see opportunities in the dual market access. The MP questions why Scotland did not receive similar benefits.
Does the Secretary agree with NI businesses on opportunities presented by dual access to UK and EU markets? If so, why didn't his government fight for Scotland's same benefits?
We meet businesses in NI regularly. They are clear: protocol is not working, EU offer is inadequate. If it worked as intended, opportunities would exist but current requirements are failing NI.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was partially acknowledged but no concrete reason provided for Scotland's lack of benefits.
We Meet Businesses Regularly
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP believes the protocol is not working and asks why it should not be scrapped.
The Secretary of State says the NI protocol is not working. Why don't we scrap it?
We are determined to resolve issues for Northern Ireland sustainably and in agreement with the EU, focusing on delivering solutions.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not directly answered; instead, a commitment to resolve was given without specifics on scrapping the protocol.
We Are Determined
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP emphasizes the importance of reducing barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain for protecting the UK's unity.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that reducing barriers to trade between NI and GB is not just desirable but vital to protecting UK integrity?
Yes, we need to ensure consumers and businesses in any part of the UK can access products as they would elsewhere. We are determined to deliver this.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledges the Secretary's remarks on Bloody Sunday anniversary. He questions why the UK government does not realign Great Britain with Northern Ireland in the single market to allow businesses across islands to flourish.
Should the UK Government, considering a possible change in Prime Minister, realign GB with NI in the single market and allow businesses across islands to flourish?
Encourages research. Good news for NI economy moving forward, as is the whole UK economy. The UK is one of the fastest-growing economies in G7, employment up even before covid.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not addressed; instead, a positive outlook on the UK economy overall was provided.
Encourages Research
Response accuracy