Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Administrative Burdens on Businesses

Wednesday 3 March 2021 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has invested over 200 million in various support schemes for businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland.
  • A new digital assistance scheme aims to simplify the process for businesses involved in the movement of goods.
  • The UK Government intends to ensure ongoing legal compliance with the protocol and will not impose a charging regime for agrifoods.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Farry
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Since the UK's departure from the EU, businesses in Northern Ireland face significant administrative burdens associated with the movement of goods.

Question

What steps is the Government taking to help reduce the administrative burden for businesses involved with the movement of goods into Northern Ireland since the UK's departure from the EU?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

More than £200 million has been put into the trader support service, the movement assistance scheme and the UK trader scheme. A newly established digital assistance scheme will provide a simplified digital process. The Government is addressing issues as they arise and this will be part of my written ministerial statement later today.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify how processes would be streamlined or what specific actions are being taken to address the current administrative burden beyond mentioning existing schemes.

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Q2 Stephen Farry
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

Recent statements from Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister suggest a potential breach of commitments under the withdrawal agreement, raising concerns about stability and legal compliance.

Question

Businesses need stability and legal certainty. Can the Secretary of State give an assurance that the UK Government will ensure ongoing legal compliance with the protocol and agree on any changes with the European Union?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The intention is that no charging regime is required for agrifoods, as confirmed in my written ministerial statement later today. We will act legally and deliver for people in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a concrete assurance regarding the UK Government's role in legal compliance and agreeing changes with the EU beyond confirming no charging regime for agrifoods.

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