Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Protocol

Wednesday 3 March 2021 · 7 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to meeting obligations under the Northern Ireland protocol proportionately, considering the Belfast-Good Friday agreement.
  • My focus is on delivering for Northern Ireland through a pragmatic approach, with ongoing engagement with the EU to address business and civic society concerns.
  • The Secretary emphasizes the importance of respecting the epidemiological unit of the island of Ireland while ensuring unfettered access for Northern Irish businesses to the rest of the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland Protocol's adequacy and impact are under scrutiny, with concerns over its implementation.

Question

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Government are committed to meeting our obligations in a proportionate way, taking account of the Belfast-Good Friday agreement. We have heard concerns and will take forward further temporary operational steps, details in WMS later today.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of adequacy not provided

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Q2 Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South
Northern Ireland
Context

The EU's approach to the protocol is viewed negatively, leading some to suggest renegotiation.

Question

Would it not make sense to renegotiate the protocol for mutual enforcement or trigger article 16?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

My focus is on delivering for Northern Ireland through a pragmatic approach. The EU understands impact and continues engagement with businesses and civic society to address concerns.

Not addressed: Renegotiation or article 16 activation not addressed

How: Focus On Delivery

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Businesses have opted out due to complexities, questioning the government's handling.

Question

Does the Secretary of State accept that the Government's denial over an Irish sea border has hampered business preparations for trade with Northern Ireland?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

I encourage businesses to engage with the trader support service, which works effectively. The Government worked continuously to ensure UK businesses can trade across the country but acknowledges issues post-transition period and will outline measures later.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific denial impact not acknowledged

How: Encouragement For Engagement

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Q4 Alex Cunningham Lab
Northern Ireland
Context

Back Benchers want to tear up the deal, causing potential instability.

Question

Will the Secretary of State reject the demands of the European Research Group and avoid placing an Irish sea border?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Focus is on delivering protocol as it was designed, respecting peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. The agreement respects north-south and east-west relations.

Not addressed: Public rejection of ERG not addressed

How: Focus On Delivery

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Q5 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Business & Trade
Context

Issues with trader support service have led to disruption and confusion.

Question

Why is the Secretary of State saying that disruption was not envisaged, given known issues with the trader support service before transition period?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Trader support service has 34,000 users, calls handled in six seconds on average, 98% declarations processed within 15 minutes. I am happy to engage directly if he provides examples of issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Denial of anticipated disruption not addressed

How: Highlighting Service Success

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Q6 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The implementation of EU checks has caused significant trade disruptions in Northern Ireland despite grace periods. The protocol's promise of unfettered trade between GB and Northern Ireland is questioned.

Question

Even with grace periods, there has been massive disruption of trade due to the implementation of EU checks in Northern Ireland. Does the Secretary of State agree that more than just extending grace periods is needed to deliver unfettered trade? There should be a reset or rethinking to exempt Northern Ireland from EU laws and European Court of Justice judgments.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Secretary respects the questioner's consistent views but maintains that unfettered access for Northern Irish businesses to the rest of the UK has been ensured. He acknowledges the need to respect the epidemiological unit of the island of Ireland and accepts its impact. The right hon. Gentleman is correct in noting the importance of ensuring Northern Ireland enjoys products, commercial activities, and daily life as part of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a significant change in current arrangements was not directly addressed

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Q7 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The joint consultative working group offers a chance for businesses, civic society, and politicians to voice their concerns about Northern Ireland's protocol issues. However, details are lacking, suggesting missed opportunities.

Question

If businesses had been heard last year, disruption could have been avoided. The current opportunity through the joint consultative working group should be seized with formal roles for these groups in shaping how the protocol works. Without this input, no decisions can proceed effectively.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The hon. Lady is welcomed to her new role with optimism for her advocacy on behalf of Northern Ireland. The Minister has engaged businesses throughout, including through the business engagement forum scheduled soon and direct meetings with Vice-President Šefčovič.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a formal role in shaping protocol workings was not directly addressed

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