Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

EU Customs Declarations

Wednesday 5 February 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • EU customs declarations for goods imported from mainland UK to Northern Ireland will be undertaken in Belfast after the UK leaves the EU.
  • The UK government asserts that Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK's customs territory under the deal.
  • Specific arrangements are included in the protocol to safeguard Northern Ireland's trading position with both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The question addresses concerns about the implications of Brexit on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, particularly regarding customs procedures.

Question

Will EU customs declarations be undertaken in Belfast on goods imported from mainland UK after the UK has left the EU? The European Commission documents indicate that such import formalities would take place in Belfast. Does the Minister not agree that remaining within the customs union would best ensure no barriers to trade?

Answer from Robin Walker (Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

The deal ensures that Northern Ireland remains part of the UK's customs territory. The protocol includes specific arrangements to protect Northern Ireland's position in trading with both Ireland and the United Kingdom. We will ensure unfettered access to the entire UK internal market.

Answered
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