Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Leaving the EU without a Deal

Wednesday 4 November 2020 · 5 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

  • Claire Hanna inquired about the potential effects on Northern Ireland of leaving the EU without a deal.
  • The Minister responded that the UK left the EU based on the withdrawal agreement, including the Northern Ireland protocol, and is working with stakeholders to implement it.
  • Karin Smyth requested an apology for Northern Ireland businesses facing additional burdens due to the transition.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

No specific event or statistic mentioned, but the question focuses on the potential risks to Northern Ireland if there is no trade agreement with the EU after Brexit.

Question

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on Northern Ireland of the UK leaving the EU without a deal?

Answer from Robin Walker

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 based on the withdrawal agreement, including the Northern Ireland protocol. The government is working closely with stakeholders to implement this by the end of the transition period.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment requested but only general statement given about leaving with a deal and implementing the protocol

How: Talks Are Ongoing In The Joint Committee

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Q2 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The health service is under immense pressure from the ongoing pandemic, with hospitals facing shortages of beds and key supplies.

Question

The health service in Northern Ireland faces incredible pressure. Does the Minister agree that leaving without a deal would be dangerous for people's health?

Answer from Robin Walker

The hon. Lady is correct about the importance of the national health service and access to medicines through Ireland and the UK. The protocol will protect goods and north-south movements, providing crucial support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether leaving without a deal would endanger public health

How: Talks Are Ongoing In The Joint Committee

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Q3 Simon Hoare Con North Dorset
Immigration Crime & Law Enforcement Brexit
Context

The question highlights concerns about criminal activity, smuggling, and modern slavery in the context of a no-deal Brexit.

Question

Can the Minister assure me that the importance of combating these issues is understood by the government?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Chair of the Select Committee is conducting an important inquiry. We have plans in place, acknowledging security implications including border checks and cooperation between police forces.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific commitment on understanding risks and actions to combat them

How: Talks Are Ongoing In The Joint Committee

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Q4 Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

There is a lack of preparedness regarding IT systems, border operating models, and port infrastructure necessary for the protocol.

Question

Will the Minister now apologise to Northern Ireland businesses for the additional burdens they are facing?

Answer from Robin Walker

We have been providing certainty and information through engagement forums with businesses. The UK Internal Market Bill is delivering smooth access, while talks continue in the Joint Committee.

Not addressed: Did not address the question of apologizing for preparation failures

How: Talks Are Ongoing In The Joint Committee

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Q5 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Northern Ireland Brexit Religion & Faith
Context

Church leaders across Scotland and Northern Ireland express concern over UK Government actions breaking international law, acting against devolved Administrations, and endangering peace.

Question

What can the Minister say to reassure representatives of Scotland's faith communities that his Government are listening?

Answer from Robin Walker

We have left with a deal, committed to delivering on the protocol, protecting peace process and Good Friday agreement. Concerns may be due to misinformation from SNP.

Not addressed: Did not address concerns directly; instead accused opposition of misleading statements

How: Talks Are Ongoing In The Joint Committee

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