Exports to Northern Ireland Businesses in Great Britain 2021-12-08
2021-12-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the need for support for British businesses trading with Northern Ireland, following recent trade issues.
What steps is his Department taking to support businesses in Great Britain which export to Northern Ireland?
International trade is vital to boosting prosperity for this country, and trade within the United Kingdom is essential for our sense of connectivity and belonging, which is a priority for this Government.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Steps taken to support businesses
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The previous question was about steps to support British businesses exporting to Northern Ireland, prompting a follow-up on the government's actions.
I thank the Minister for his answer and for the steps he is taking to support trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. [Interruption.]
The Government have been absolutely clear that we want to find a sustainable and durable solution to the problems created by the protocol. Under the strong leadership of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and Lord Frost's unrivalled grasp of the protocol, we are determined to reach that solution.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Steps taken to support businesses
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The previous questions discussed issues related to protocol and trade, leading to a question about realigning with the single market and customs union.
Would not the best way by far to support east-west trade, and to overcome the entirely self-inflicted wounds that this Government have created with the protocol, be simply to realign with the single market and the customs union?
That is so 2016, is it not? SNP Members are still not reconciled to the democratic decision that the British people took to control their own destiny and leave the European Union. We are determined to find a sustainable and durable solution to the protocol, but my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, Lord Frost and the Secretary of State are all clear that if that cannot be achieved, we will take whatever actions are necessary to secure the interests of the whole United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Realigning with single market and customs union
Criticising Snp Members
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The discussion includes a comparison between the economic situation in the Republic of Ireland post-Brexit and the benefits for Northern Ireland as part of the UK.
The Irish Times carries a piece that states that the Republic of Ireland now has the highest debt in all of Europe and 20% higher costs of living than Northern Ireland, and it now requires a multibillion-pound bailout from Europe to deal with the consequences of Brexit. Is it not the case that, by contrast, Northern Ireland is part of the fifth largest economy in the world, and that not only is it part of a strong and growing economy, but it requires the friction that exists between businesses in Northern Ireland and GB to be removed? Invoking article 16 will allow that friction to be removed.
We do not need any international comparisons to sell the benefits of Northern Ireland being an integral part of our United Kingdom. It is good for jobs, it is good for health and it is good for prosperity. We are definitely better together.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Invoking Article 16
Response accuracy