Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Protocol

Wednesday 30 September 2020 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister received representations from businesses regarding the practical implications of the Northern Ireland protocol.
  • Steps have been taken to ensure clarity and certainty, including regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss issues like SPS checks and recovery from covid-19.
  • Detailed border operating model publication is ongoing, with regular meetings held weekly to address businesses' concerns and needs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Brennan Lab
Northern Ireland
Context

Representations regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol have been ongoing and businesses are seeking clarity.

Question

What recent representations has he received on the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol? Businesses want to understand the practical implications of changes due to the protocol.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We continue to engage regularly with stakeholders on the implementation, focusing on clarity and certainty. Steps have been taken in areas like SPS checks, ensuring unfettered access to UK markets is maintained. I am meeting businesses frequently to discuss issues including recovery from covid-19 and delivery of protocol commitments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific practical impacts for moving goods under the protocol.

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Q2 Kevin Brennan Lab
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Businesses require clarity on practical changes due to the Northern Ireland protocol.

Question

Can he clarify what specific changes will look like in practice for businesses moving goods, as requested?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

I am meeting businesses regularly to discuss various issues including the protocol. Businesses have consistently sought certainty on unfettered access, which is delivered through the UK Internal Market Bill and ongoing work with the Joint Committee. SPS checks for live animals and agrifoods are part of these measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide detailed practical changes for goods movement.

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Q3 Stephen Farry
Northern Ireland
Context

Businesses urgently need clarity on the border operating model down the Irish Sea, previously promised by a deadline.

Question

When will the detailed border operating model be published for businesses moving goods across the Irish Sea?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We are working with the Joint Committee and engaging directly with businesses to ensure clarity. Regular meetings with businesses are held weekly to address their concerns and needs regarding unfettered access and protocol implementation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify a publication date for the border operating model.

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