Northern Ireland Protocol 2022-03-09
2022-03-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on the Northern Ireland Protocol are ongoing, with issues surrounding trade and sovereignty persisting.
What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on negotiations regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol?
I regularly meet Cabinet colleagues to discuss Northern Ireland matters, including the Northern Ireland protocol. The situation is serious, and we are keeping all options available to achieve a positive outcome through agreement with the EU.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific details of recent discussions were not provided; only general statements about meetings and objectives were given.
Keeping All Options Available
Focusing On Achieving A Positive Outcome
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Senior Brexiteers are reportedly pressing for triggering Article 16, which would involve declaring unfinished business with the EU in relation to the protocol.
Given that senior Brexiteers are pressing the Government to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol amid a war threatening global food security, will the Government remove this option from consideration?
Absolutely not. We are very clear that we have to keep all options on the table. If issues with the protocol cannot be resolved, Article 16 is part of the proper legal process. Our priority remains getting a resolution by agreement with the EU.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Negotiations regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol have been slow, with concerns over sovereignty and adherence to EU law.
Does he recognise that sovereignty remains a key issue for Northern Ireland within the context of both EU lawmaking and current geopolitical tensions, including in Ukraine?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. We have not seen enough progress from the EU and need more flexibility on trade and identity issues to resolve the situation quickly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific examples of sovereignty concerns were noted but a clear commitment or timeline for addressing them was lacking.
Flexibility And Pragmatism Needed
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a need for better coordination on veterinary health and sanitary regulations to improve trade relations.
Would an EU-UK veterinary and SPS agreement protect biosecurity while facilitating trade of plant and animal produce from Great Britain to Northern Ireland?
We have put forward constructive proposals like the green channel system, which can address east-west customs and SPS burdens. We aim to find a resolution that allows goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without risk of them moving to the EU.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister has reportedly stated a low success probability for negotiations on the protocol.
Does he share the assessment that the current negotiations have only a 30% chance of success?
I am not sure I can give betting odds. The EU has shown a lack of flexibility, and we must be realistic about progress so far. We take no options off the table to resolve issues with the protocol.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not confirm or deny the 30% chance figure explicitly; instead, he emphasized the need for flexibility.
Being Realistic About Lack Of Progress
Not Taking Options Off The Table
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Queen's University Belfast's poll found the UK government is highly distrusted, attributing this to informal communication from Ministers. Since the Executive collapsed, there have been no statements on negotiations with the EU.
Ministers and Prime Minister have given various informal answers leading to distrust in the Government. Queen's University Belfast's poll shows the UK government is most distrusted among all actors. Following five rounds of negotiations between the UK and EU Governments without a statement, will the Secretary of State promise to bring discussions out of shadows and make statements to the House?
Negotiations need to be private, but we take no options off the table and continue to strain every sinew for a resolution that respects all aspects of the Good Friday agreement. We will do everything possible to resolve issues affecting Northern Ireland's economy and citizens.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to making statements in the House on ongoing negotiations
We Need Private Negotiations
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The period of purdah is approaching in the run-up to the Northern Ireland Assembly election, and there has been no serious progress made. The purdah period restricts political activities.
Does my right hon. Friend acknowledge the need for real progress before the pre-election period? Does he anticipate that such progress will be made?
We aim to resolve issues quickly regardless of the pre-election period, as delays affect businesses and consumers. Every day without flexibility from the EU is another day of disruptions for products and goods necessary for daily life.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to making progress before the purdah period starts
We Need To Resolve Issues As Quickly As Possible
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent from Dromore, confined to a wheelchair, could not access spare parts due to HMRC registration issues, highlighting difficulties caused by the protocol.
My constituent, disabled and reliant on a motor vehicle with a broken ramp, was unable to get a replacement part due to HMRC regulations. This is just one of many examples where the protocol disrupts daily life in Northern Ireland.
We need to be clear with the EU that its lack of flexibility risks the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. The right hon. Gentleman's case highlights how the protocol disrupts everyday life, and we must keep pressure on the EU for pragmatic solutions.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to addressing issues caused by the protocol
We Need To Keep Pressure On The Eu
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Households are struggling with rising home-heating costs due to VAT rules under EU regulations, preventing the Chancellor from reducing VAT on heating oil without permission.
My constituents face increasing home-heating costs due to European Union VAT rules. The Chancellor cannot reduce VAT without EU approval, denying support to Northern Ireland households.
In February we provided £250 million more to the Executive for flexibility. The right hon. Gentleman's example shows how the protocol disrupts everyday life, and it must stop.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to addressing issues caused by the protocol
We Need To Remember That The Implementation Of The Protocol Is Doing Exactly What We Say
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland protocol includes article 3 which ensures the Common Travel Area rights continue. The introduction of an electronic travel authorisation system could affect freedom of movement across the border, potentially causing economic and political strain.
Does the Secretary of State recognise the potential economic and political strain that the introduction of an electronic travel authorisation system could put on freedom of movement across the border? What engagement does he plan to have with the Government of Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic and their partners in the EU in respect of how to make sure such frictions do not take effect?
Throughout the pandemic, we have ensured that the common travel area remains open and flowing. My officials have been in talks with the Irish Government about these issues this week and last week, and I will continue to engage them myself.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific economic and political strain from an electronic travel authorisation system was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy