Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

End of Transition Period: Ports of Entry

Wednesday 4 November 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

  • The Government continues to engage regularly with Northern Ireland stakeholders to deliver protocol requirements at ports.
  • The Minister emphasizes expanding existing agrifood controls and building on current processes at ports like Larne and Belfast.
  • The Government has published operational guidance and announced a trader support scheme to assist businesses in the new regime.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tony Lloyd Lab
Immigration Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The transition period is nearing its end, and there are concerns about the readiness of ports to handle new regulations.

Question

What assessment has the Government made of the preparedness of ports of entry in Northern Ireland ahead of the end of the transition period?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Government continues to engage regularly with the Northern Ireland Executive and stakeholders, including port authorities and district councils, to deliver protocol requirements at pace. We are also continuing discussions with the EU in the Joint Committee to secure a pragmatic approach to agrifood checks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assessments or timelines for preparedness of ports.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Operators of Northern Ireland's four ports have expressed concerns about their readiness to check goods from Great Britain by the end of transition, citing issues with IT systems, delays, and lack of clarity.

Question

With eight weeks until the end of transition, who does the Minister hold responsible for the preparedness issues at Northern Ireland's ports?

Answer from Robin Walker

The work is continuing. We are expanding existing entry points for agrifood controls, building on what happens at ports like Larne and Belfast to streamline new processes. The Minister continues to engage closely with the Executive, port authorities, district councils, and other stakeholders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify who is responsible; instead referred to ongoing work and engagement.

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Q3 Tony Lloyd Lab
Northern Ireland Brexit Local Government
Context

Businesses in Northern Ireland are uncertain about the new regime they will operate under at the beginning of next year, with unclear regulations and processes.

Question

Will the Minister now apologise to businesses that so close to the beginning of next year—so close to the new regime coming in—businesses still do not know what regime they are going to operate under? Is an apology necessary from this Government?

Answer from Robin Walker

Let me first welcome Tony Lloyd back to the House. Over the last three months, we have published operational guidance on customs, SPS measures and manufacturing goods, announced a £200 million trader support scheme, invested over £150 million in IT systems, and made progress with recruitment and training of new staff for protocol requirements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an apology; instead highlighted recent actions taken by the government to support businesses.

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