Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Internal Market Bill: Effect on the Union

Wednesday 30 September 2020 · 4 questions

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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State and the Minister regularly meet Cabinet and ministerial colleagues to discuss the UK Internal Market Bill and its impact on Northern Ireland.
  • The Minister confirmed that seamless trade around the UK will continue from January, essential for the Union's growth and prosperity.
  • The Minister stated that steps taken in the UK Internal Market Bill help deliver certainty for businesses and uphold the integrity of the Union.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Atherton
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The UK Internal Market Bill is under scrutiny, particularly its potential impact on Northern Ireland's place in the Union.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential effect of the UK Internal Market Bill on Northern Ireland's place in the Union?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Secretary of State and I regularly meet Cabinet and ministerial colleagues across Government on this point, including through the Cabinet Committee on Union policy implementation, which is driving forward the Government's Union strategy. The UK's internal market has functioned seamlessly for centuries and we will ensure that it continues to thrive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific details about the discussions or measures taken regarding Northern Ireland.

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Q2 Sarah Atherton
Economy Brexit
Context

Trade between Wrexham and Northern Ireland is vital for the local economy, with Holyhead port playing a crucial role.

Question

Will the Minister give reassurances that from January seamless trade around the UK will continue as it is essential to our Union's growth and prosperity?

Answer from Robin Walker

Yes, I can. That is why the Government are very pleased that the Bill has completed its passage through the House this week. The provisions in the Bill ensure that there will be no new checks, controls or administrative processes on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and provide a power for Ministers to disapply or modify the requirement for export declarations or other export procedures on such movements.

Answered
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Q3 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Northern Ireland Scotland
Context

Business groups are waiting for answers on how the protocol will work, and there is concern about the lack of a border operating model.

Question

Why is a coalition of business groups still waiting for answers on 60 of the 67 basic questions put to the Secretary of State in June? Why is there no border operating model? Is it time for both the EU and the UK to act in Northern Ireland's interests?

Answer from Robin Walker

The hon. Lady rightly calls for certainty, but it is essential that we deliver on the protocol and deliver certainty for businesses. The steps taken in the UK Internal Market Bill help us do so. I am not going to take lectures on upholding the integrity of our Union from a party that refuses to rule out backing a divisive second independence referendum in Scotland.

Not addressed: The answer diverts attention from addressing business groups' concerns and focuses on Labour's stance on Scottish independence.

How: Attacking The Opposition

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Q4 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

Criticism from former Prime Ministers, Northern Ireland party leaders, and legal authorities highlights concerns about undermining public confidence in the legal system.

Question

Does the Lord Chief Justice's comment that the threat to break the law may have undermined public confidence in the legal system concern the Minister? Do they now regret comments made by the Secretary of State?

Answer from Robin Walker

We have been repeatedly clear through the passage of the Bill that we are respecting and delivering on the protocol. We remain absolutely committed to the peace process, the Good Friday agreement and to acting within the UK's constitutional set-up, and that is what we will continue to do.

Not addressed: The answer does not address any specific concerns or actions regarding the Lord Chief Justice's statement.

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