Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland-Republic of Ireland Border

Wednesday 2 September 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial colleagues regularly discuss the border operations with Irish Government counterparts.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises operating across the border face uncertainty due to upcoming changes.
  • Government has engaged with businesses through initiatives like the trader support service announcement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Murrison Con South Dorset
Northern Ireland Foreign Affairs
Context

Discussions regarding the future of the Northern Ireland-Republic of Ireland border after the transition period.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Irish Government on the operation of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after the end of the transition period?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

I and ministerial colleagues speak regularly with our counterparts in the Irish Government. The protocol itself provides for a practical solution that avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland in all circumstances, including in the event that we do not agree a free trade agreement, while ensuring that the UK, including Northern Ireland, can leave the EU as a whole.

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Q2 Andrew Murrison Con South Dorset
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

SMEs are in a state of uncertainty due to the potential impact on their operations in four months.

Question

I am very grateful to the Secretary of State. He will know that small and medium-sized enterprises with business across the border are in a state of uncertainty at the moment, given what is potentially going to hit them in four months' time. Given that, the trader support service announced last month is particularly welcome. What discussions has he had with trade organisations in Northern Ireland about the trader support service? When does he anticipate the service actually providing services to SMEs?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. We—not just myself, but ministerial colleagues—have had continual engagement with businesses. The Business Secretary and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster have both been in Northern Ireland engaging with businesses and representative organisations, as has my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office. We will continue to do that and we aim to have the scheme running in September.

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