Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Protocol: Implementation

Wednesday 16 June 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • There have been extensive technical discussions with the European Commission on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
  • The EU has been asked to engage with practical proposals on issues such as veterinary agreements and authorized trader schemes.
  • The Secretary of State reaffirmed Northern Ireland's status as a full and integral part of the United Kingdom.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Brereton Con
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

Discussions on pragmatic implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol to avoid disruption in critical supplies.

Question

What discussions have you had with EU officials on the need for pragmatic implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

There have been extensive technical discussions with the European Commission, both as part of the formal withdrawal agreement structures and in support of them. These include engagements with Vice-President Šefčovič, Northern Ireland businesses, and civil society, as well as meetings with Irish officials. The ongoing dialogue needs to make real progress soon to avoid disruption.

Answered
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Q2 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
Northern Ireland
Context

Discussion about the lack of progress in Northern Ireland and the need for pragmatic approaches.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the EU needs to engage with practical proposals on issues such as veterinary agreements and authorised trader schemes?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

My hon. Friend is right; we need a pragmatic and flexible approach, and the European Union has talked about that. We have proposed several measures, and we look forward to engagement from the EU on these issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment or timeline was provided for engaging with practical proposals.

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Q3 Jack Brereton Con
Northern Ireland
Context

Concerns about certain EU officials wanting to divide up the UK, particularly regarding Northern Ireland.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend do everything in his power to make it clear that Northern Ireland is an integral part of the UK?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Northern Ireland is a full and integral part of the United Kingdom, with authority exercised by the UK. We believe this contributes to making us a stronger and more prosperous United Kingdom.

Answered
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Q4 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Northern Ireland
Context

Discussion about legal provisions under EU law and potential use of Article 16 to protect the UK's internal market.

Question

Can the Secretary of State explain the legal effect of extending grace periods? Does he agree that it is time to use Article 16 for legally effective action?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We are working hard in good faith to find solutions. The protocol could work with common sense, flexibility from the EU, and we continue to talk through Joint Committee structures. No options are off the table if progress cannot be made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear legal explanation or commitment on extending grace periods or invoking Article 16 was provided.

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