Northern Ireland Protocol 2022-05-26
2022-05-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the legal advice received by the Attorney General on amending primary legislation in relation to the Northern Ireland protocol.
What recent advice has she received on the legality of the Government's plans to amend primary legislation to adjust elements of the Northern Ireland protocol?
I cannot comment specifically on any advice that I may or may not have received. It is not uncommon or inappropriate for Law Officers to seek advice, both from their officials and external specialist counsel. The Foreign Secretary's statement to the House last week set out the Government's proposals. She will be introducing primary legislation to address elements of the Northern Ireland protocol.
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Assessment & feedback
The Attorney General did not specify whether she received legal advice or what it contained, only noting that seeking such advice is common practice.
I Cannot Comment Specifically On Any Advice
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a US Congress delegation visiting Northern Ireland, and there are concerns about clarity regarding the protection of the Union.
Will she take the opportunity today from the Dispatch Box to spell out to the misinformed US Congress delegation visiting Northern Ireland that defending, upholding and protecting the Union is consistent with the New Decade, New Approach agreement and consistent with the Belfast agreement? Will the Government move expeditiously—that is, before the summer recess—on bringing forward legislation?
The Bill that is proposed will take vital steps to protect the integrity of the United Kingdom, our precious Union, and protect peace, which is cemented by the Belfast agreement. It will include provisions ensuring the security of the common travel area, single electricity market and north-south co-operation, freeing goods within UK from unnecessary bureaucracy through a green channel with data-sharing arrangements including a trusted trader scheme for real-time commercial data.
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Assessment & feedback
While providing details on the bill's provisions, the Attorney General did not explicitly address whether she would speak to the US Congress delegation today or expedite legislation before the summer recess.
I Urge All Members Here And Parliamentarians Abroad To Support Them
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that the Attorney General's legal advice on the Northern Ireland protocol has been disclosed in media reports.
Did she personally authorise the briefings to The Times and 'Newsnight' regarding her advice on the protocol—yes or no?
I take the convention incredibly seriously; it is a running thread through the integrity, robustness and frankness with which Law Officers can provide advice. I do not comment on media speculation, and that is the Government's line.
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Assessment & feedback
The Attorney General did not give a direct yes or no answer about authorising briefings but instead referred to the convention of not commenting on legal advice.
I Do Not Comment On Media Speculation
That Is The Government'S Line
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that legal advice given to the Prime Minister suggested the Good Friday agreement takes precedence over the Northern Ireland protocol.
Does she accept that the Good Friday agreement sits alongside other agreements rather than taking precedence, and should it not be used as a basis to walk away from the deal that the UK Government signed? Will she commit to publishing the legal advice in full?
I will not repeat my answer, but we do not comment on media speculation and I respect and take incredibly seriously the Law Officers' convention. The Foreign Secretary has made it clear that the Government will publish a statement summarising their legal position shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
The Attorney General did not explicitly state whether she accepted that the Good Friday agreement sits alongside other agreements and declined to commit to publishing full legal advice.
I Will Not Repeat My Answer
We Do Not Comment On Media Speculation
Response accuracy