Northern Ireland Protocol 2021-07-21
2021-07-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland protocol is causing delays in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, leading to concerns about the practical implementation.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on reducing delays to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain during the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. I am concerned that despite warnings, six supermarket retailers have highlighted import issues, higher costs, and fewer options for consumers, affecting three quarters of the grocery market in Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State meets colleagues regularly to discuss matters related to Northern Ireland, including the implementation of the protocol. We are working hard and in good faith to find solutions, addressing practical issues faced since January.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on reducing trade delays were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The protocol's implementation is causing issues, and there are calls for a more practical approach to resolve the problems faced by Northern Ireland.
We must make the protocol work for the people of Northern Ireland. Does my hon. Friend agree that we should press the European Union to take a more common-sense approach so that we can find practical solutions to issues such as higher costs and fewer consumer options?
I agree with my hon. Friend. The protocol must respect the needs of all Northern Ireland's people, but we have seen costs rise and disruption increase since January this year. We want to engage in good faith with the EU on these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Retailers have written to the UK Government highlighting import issues, higher costs, and fewer options for consumers due to the protocol. There is pressure on the government to address these concerns.
Instead of blaming the EU, what will the UK Government do to resolve trade issues highlighted by six retailers covering three quarters of Northern Ireland's grocery market?
The UK Government has implemented several measures such as the movement assistance scheme, Trader Support Service with over £200 million funding, and digital assistance schemes. We are engaging in good faith to improve the protocol's implementation and ensure it meets its intended objectives without disrupting everyday life.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The protocol's implementation is affecting goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, raising concerns about the economic integrity of the UK.
Does the Minister agree that goods within the UK internal market should not face EU-imposed checks? What steps will he take to protect the economic integrity?
Goods within the UK internal market should not face unnecessary EU-imposed checks. We want to engage in good faith to find solutions, ensuring that goods not at risk of entering the EU are not subjected to additional disruption.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps and timeline were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The protocol's implementation is affecting Northern Ireland's constitutional integrity, raising concerns about the principle of consent central to the Belfast agreement.
Does he agree that any new arrangements must respect the principle of consent at the heart of the Belfast agreement and protect Northern Ireland's place within the UK?
Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. The principle of consent is central to the Belfast agreement. We are working hard in good faith to find solutions and set out further detail on our approach later today.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific new arrangements were not detailed
Response accuracy