Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Internal Market Bill: Political Party Discussions

Wednesday 30 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 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had discussions with Northern Ireland political party leaders before the publication of the UK Internal Market Bill
  • Honourable member was referred to statements made in the House regarding the Bill
  • Response indicated a commitment to delivering on the Government's overriding objectives

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from discussions and consultations regarding the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, particularly focusing on interactions with Northern Ireland political parties.

Question

What discussions he had with Northern Ireland political parties prior to the publication of the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We are committed to working closely with the devolved Administrations. I want to thank the Executive for their engagement to date, including their response to our consultation on the Bill. I can confirm that I did speak to Northern Ireland's party leaders about the UKIM Bill ahead of its introduction, and I look forward to continuing to engage with the Executive as we progress towards the end of the year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specifics on the content or outcomes of the discussions mentioned in the question.

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Q2 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Northern Ireland
Context

The question addresses criticisms from multiple entities including the US Congress, a presidential nominee, the Irish Government, and Northern Ireland parties regarding the Secretary of State's juvenile law-breaking boasts.

Question

Given that the leading member of the United States Congress, the Democrat nominee for President, the Trump-appointed special envoy to Northern Ireland, the Irish Government, the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland and three of the five parties of the Executive have all condemned the Secretary of State's juvenile law-breaking boasts in this House, does he now accept that he has done more harm than good?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

I would just respectfully say that the hon. Lady may want to have a look at exactly what I said in this House, which was giving a straight answer to a very direct, straight question and making a statement of the position. It is a position that will ensure that this Government deliver on our overriding promise to deliver unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses and ensure we are protecting the Good Friday agreement.

Not addressed: The answer changes the subject from accepting harm caused by statements to defending the statement's intent.

How: Changed The Subject, Defended The Position

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