Northern Ireland Protocol Exceptions 2022-09-07
2022-09-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Clause 15 of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill is being assessed for its impact on the economy.
What assessment has been made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of clause 15 of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill on the (a) Northern Ireland and (b) UK economy?
Clause 15 ensures that the Bill can fully meet its objectives by granting powers to make clear where additional elements of the protocol and withdrawal agreement are excluded, subject to carefully defined purposes. To ensure that that is done only if necessary to meet the Bill's objectives, that power is limited to a list of specified purposes.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific economic impact assessment requested
Avoided Providing Specifics On Economic Impact
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Manufacturers in Northern Ireland rank trade arrangements as the least of their post-Brexit challenges, despite this, the government seems to be influenced by minority views.
With increased exports, manufacturers in Northern Ireland rank trade arrangements as the least of their post-Brexit challenges. Despite these facts and ONS figures showing that the protocol has protected Northern Irish trade, will the Secretary of State abandon the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and work constructively with the EU to prevent a trade war at this time of cost of living crisis?
There is a point among all that I agree with: it is important that we work together across this House to sort out the cost of living crisis, which affects everybody, especially those in Northern Ireland. However, I humbly suggest to the hon. Gentleman that it is quite rich for the Scottish National party to try to interfere in Northern Irish business.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether government will abandon bill or work with EU
Deflection By Criticising Snp
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
During her leadership campaign, the new Prime Minister said she was determined to deliver the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill in full.
Does the Government a) risk a trade war with the EU and its 500 million consumers; b) risk inflaming a potentially volatile situation in Northern Ireland; c) risk people's livelihoods and perhaps even lives in pursuit of a hard Brexit that has failed already; or d) all of the above, by ploughing on anyway?
I think the hon. Gentleman missed the option of always putting the interests of Northern Ireland first, sorting out the problems of the protocol and getting a negotiated solution—and if not, legislating for one.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address risks mentioned in question
Provided Alternative Options But Did Not Confirm Or Deny Risks
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland economy is reliant on goods and services flowing freely from the rest of the UK.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is vital for the future of the Northern Ireland economy that goods and services can flow freely from Northern Ireland to the rest of the United Kingdom and back to Northern Ireland?
I can 100% agree with my hon. Friend. It is important that goods and services available in England, Scotland, and Wales are fully available in Northern Ireland and that goods and services can flow properly. The problems the protocol has put in place mean that this is not currently the case.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The protocol bill is still making its way through the House of Lords, despite opposition.
Can the Secretary of State confirm whether it is still the preference of the UK Government to reach a negotiated settlement with the European Union over the protocol without having to apply the terms of the protocol Bill? If so, when does he plan to initiate those discussions?
First, I thank the hon. Gentleman for welcoming me; I look forward to working with him. Secondly, yes, the new Prime Minister said at every single hustings that negotiation is preferred to sort out the protocol, but legislation will continue through its process.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for initiating negotiations
Acknowledged Preference For Negotiation But Did Not Give A Timeline
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has identified a landing zone for an agreement.
Does my right hon. Friend agree with me, as co-chair of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, that there is obviously a landing zone for an agreement? In his discussions with Northern Ireland political parties, can he press for and redouble efforts on discussions that yield a result in the interests of us all?
I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his question. I believe that there is a fairly obvious landing zone for negotiations, and everything can be sorted out by negotiation; however, we have legislation in place if not.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny efforts to reach an agreement through discussion with political parties
Acknowledged Landing Zone But Did Not Commit To Discussions
Response accuracy